Zhao Dongming (R) of BOCOG and Jiang Gongmin of the City of Beijing signed the MOU. (Source: BOCOG)

    BEIJING, Jan. 22 -- A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the Olympic cultural squares was signed at a ceremony Tuesday morning between the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad and the City of Beijing (BOCOG). According to the agreement, 26 Olympic cultural squares are to be set up across Beijing's 18 districts and counties for a three-month period.

    Free of charge to the public, the Olympic cultural square activities will begin June 23 on Olympic Day and will continue until the closing ceremony of the Paralympic Games.

    The cultural squares will offer citizens a place to watch the Games (on plasma screen televisions). In addition, there will be outdoor artistic performances, sponsor activity areas, Olympic licensed product sales and food, health and safety services.

    The city has set up a coordination group to focus on the Olympic cultural square activities.

    The cultural squares will serve as a vehicle for spreading the Olympic spirit and disseminating Olympic knowledge. They will showcase the history and culture of the Olympic host country and city and, at the same time, give a large segment of the public the opportunity to participate in and experience the joy and festivities of the Olympic Games.

    At the ceremony, director Zhao Dongming of BOCOG's Cultural Activities Department and director Jiang Gongmin of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Bureau signed the MOU on behalf of BOCOG and the City of Beijing.

    (Source: BOCOG)