'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'

The words of Confucius have a particular resonance today, a significant milestone in China's 2008 Olympic adventure

The first steps have been taken, the odyssey is under way. With exactly 1,000 days to go to the start of the 29th modern Olympiad, this is a good opportunity to reflect on how far China, and Beijing in particular, have progressed towards their destination and what obstacles still lie ahead.

The struggle to gain the rights to stage the games has long been won, China has earned the respect of the world for its ability to produce world-class athletes across the sporting spectrum and the signs are clearly pointing to the fact that the 'Middle Kingdom' has the appetite and the expertise to stage a spectacle with the potential to eclipse all versions of the modern Olympic movement that have gone before Beijing 2008.

The time for contemplation is over. Now is the time for action, action that is producing another massive upheaval in the country, but one which stands to be of such a constructive nature that it will benefit not only those present to witness it but the generations to come.

While Beijing, as the host city, is the centre of attention and activity, there are several other major centres, including Hong Kong, that are working in parallel to accommodate events which, for logistical reasons or otherwise, are unable to be held in Beijing. Their efforts and achievements are no less laudable than those of the capital city.

Groundbreaking architectural concepts are being transformed into reality through the efforts of tens of thousands of politicians, city planners, sporting authorities, engineers and labourers.