NEW YORK (JIS) - Jamaica will be one of 66 countries participating in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China, to have its national colours showcased on the world famous Empire State Building in New York City on Saturday, August 23, 2008.
A news release copied to Consul General Geneive Brown Metzger on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, noted that the Empire State Building will be celebrating the athletes of the participating countries in the 2008 Olympic Games over the next couple of weeks by bestowing its highest honor—lighting its iconic tower lights
The light show in celebration of the the 2008 Beijing Olympics, started on August 7, with the USA and China taking center stage.
The release noted that because Jamaica is one of the top 66 countries sending the most athletes to the 2008 Games, the decision was taken to include the island nation in the special lighting event. A record 205 countries are taking part in the Games of the 29th Olympiad which ends on Sunday, August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China.
“The ESB’s tower lights are known to recognize key milestones, events, causes and holidays throughout the world, and we are happy to honor your country by lighting our tower in your nation’s flag colors during the Olympic Summer Games,” noted Julia Sharkey of the ESB’s PR Department.
In her response to the management of the Empire State Building, Consul General Brown Metzger expressed her gratitude to the organization for honouring Jamaica with such an important gesture at this time. She said that the honour was timely as Jamaicans in the Diaspora celebrate the 46th Anniversary of Independence from British colonial rule.
On Saturday August 23, 2008, the colours of Jamaica’s flag (black, green and yellow) will be displayed on the North side of the building. Iran (west side), Georgia (South side) and Norway (East side), will share the spotlight with Jamaica.
The Empire State Building, a worldwide landmark and prime tourist is located at 350 Fifth Avenue, between 33rd and 34th Streets, in midtown Manhattan.
