SYDNEY has announced a cultural Olympic programme to celebrate ''humanity's search for new frontiers, its longing for freedom'', in an apparent slap at Beijing.
''The theme will be of men and women as adventurers . . . and fugitives of suffering,'' Donald McDonald, chairman of the cultural committee for the Sydney 2000 bid, said.
He said the programme of events, which would start two weeks before the proposed Games, and end one week after, would celebrate the Aboriginal heritage, as well as Australia's contemporary culture.
Four years of cultural events would culminate in a Harbour of Life festival with artists from Australia and the rest of the world.
In the Delphic Olympic tradition, medals would be given for excellence in the arts - in film, video, opera, architecture and design.
Opera star Dame Joan Sutherland had joined the Sydney bid committee to promote the cultural side of the bid.
''People do not realise how many musicians, writers and artists Australia has produced. It would be nice to see that the athletes had an opportunity to enjoy cultural events while they are not competing,'' Dame Joan said.