Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., vice president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), on Wednesday donated a miniature "Millennium Gate" commemorative sculpture to the Hangzhou Asian Games Museum to express gratitude to the event's organizing committee for their successful hosting of the games.
The sculpture symbolizes understanding, peace, prosperity, and well-being. The prototype is located in front of the IOC headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland and represents the concept of opening the door to victory and success.
"I think that the Olympic spirit in your country is very healthy, so that explains and that gives you the full measure of the powerful Olympic spirit in the country. We, as the Olympic community, appreciate that very, very much. And this is the perfect blend of new technology, attractiveness and respect for history that has happened here in the city of Hangzhou. So, I would hardly recommend to visit this museum to everybody," said Samaranch.
At the donation ceremony, Hangzhou Vice Mayor Chen Weiqiang presented a commemorative celadon plate and a donation certificate of the Hangzhou Asian Games to the Samaranch Foundation in return.
The IOC vice president toured the museum and praised the design concept and display of the museum.
From Sept. 23 to Oct. 8, 2023, around 12,500 athletes from 45 countries and regions competed in 40 sports, 61 disciplines, and 481 events in the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, capital city of east China's Zhejiang Province.
IOC vice president donates "Millennium Gate" sculpture to Hangzhou Asian Games Museum
