On August 7, 2008, Los Angeles City Councilmembers Tom LaBonge and Bernard Parks held a press conference at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum to officially salute the 2008 Olympic Games that are to take place in Beijing, China.

"Los Angeles has hosted two wonderful Olympic Games before, in 1932 and 1984, and we know all about the hard work that goes into making the games a success," said Councilmember LaBonge. "We hope this year's Olympics in China are just as successful."

Added Councilmember Parks, "The Olympic Games is are every four-year life-changing event, whether for the spectator or for the participant. Many Angelenos remember 1984 and the glow that the Olympic Games brought to the City. I am encouraged by the accommodations provided by Beijing, China and I send all my good wishes to the US athletes who are in China to bring home the gold."

Councilmember LaBonge and Parks were joined in this expression of good will by Jin Fan of the Chinese Consulate, runner Louis Zamperini of the 1936 U.S.A. Olympic team, and Jeffrey Cheung, President of Los Angeles -- Guangzhou Sister City Association.

Consul Jin Fan, on behalf of the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles, gave her heartfelt thanks to the citizens of Los Angeles for the support for 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Jeffrey Cheung, on behalf of LAGSCA, expressed the best wishes for the success of Beijing Olympics that were to begin on the following day.