BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Olympic Games are "truly exceptional Games," said International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Jacques Rogge at the Games' closing ceremony staged in the National Stadium in northern Beijing on Sunday night.

He repeated the words in French.

"Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent," Rogge said in his closing speech.

The IOC president said the past 16 glorious days will be cherished forever. "New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marveled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here."

He praised the athletes as "true role models". "You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitors from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home."

Rogge expressed best wishes for the athletes who will participate in the upcoming Paralympic Games, scheduled for Sept. 6-17. "They also inspire us."

He also thanked the people of China, all the volunteers and the Beijing Organizing Committee of the 29th Summer Olympics.

At the end of his speech, Rogge declared the closing of the Beijing Games in French, and called upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the 30th summer Olympic Games.

President Rogge's Speech:

Dear Chinese Friends,

Tonight, we come to the end of 16 glorious days which we will cherish forever.

Thank you to the people of China, all the wonderful volunteers and BOCOG!

Through these Games, the world learned more about China, and China learned more about the world. Athletes from 204 National Olympic Committees came to these dazzling venues and awed us with their talent.

New stars were born. Stars from past Games amazed us again. We shared their joys and their tears, and we marvelled at their ability. We will long remember the achievements we witnessed here.

As we celebrate the success of these Games, let us all together wish the best for the talented athletes who will soon participate in the Paralympic Games. They also inspire us.

To the athletes tonight: You were true role models. You have shown us the unifying power of sport. The Olympic spirit lives in the warm embrace of competitive rivals from nations in conflict. Keep that spirit alive when you return home.

These were truly exceptional Games!

And now, in accordance with tradition, I declare the Games of the XXIX Olympiad closed, and I call upon the youth of the world to assemble four years from now in London to celebrate the Games of the XXX Olympiad.

Thank you!

译文如下：

亲爱的中国朋友们，今晚，我们即将走到16天光辉历程的终点。这些日子，将在我们的心中永远珍藏，感谢中国人民，感谢所有出色的志愿者，感谢北京奥组委。

通过本届奥运会，世界更多地了解了中国，中国更多地了解了世界，来自204个国家和地区奥委会的运动健儿们在光彩夺目的场馆里同场竞技，用他们的精湛技艺博得了我们的赞叹。

新的奥运明星诞生了，往日的奥运明星又一次带来惊喜，我们分享他们的欢笑和泪水，我们钦佩他们的才能与风采，我们将长久铭记再次见证的辉煌成就。

在庆祝奥运会圆满成功之际，让我们一起祝福才华洋溢的残奥会运动健儿们，希望他们在即将到来的残奥会上取得优秀的成绩。他们也令我们倍感鼓舞，今晚在场的每位运动员们，你们是真正的楷模，你们充分展示了体育的凝聚力。

来自冲突国家竞技对手的热情拥抱之中闪耀着奥林匹克精神的光辉。希望你们回国后让这种精神生生不息，时代永存。

这是一届真正的无与伦比的奥运会，现在，遵照惯例，我宣布第29届奥林匹克运动会闭幕，并号召全世界青年四年后在伦敦举办的第30届奥林匹克运动会上相聚，谢谢大家！