The President of the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee (BOCOG), Liu Qi, received the Olympic Order in Gold on Monday from the hands of International Olympic Committee's (IOC) President Jacques Rogge in recognition of all the hard work that went into putting on these truly exceptional Games.

"This was China's last gold medal of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games but perhaps the most important one because after seven years of intense preparations, BOCOG and China has offered to the world 16 days of exciting Olympic sports competitions, supported by smooth operations - a success which has permitted the athletes to achieve their best in optimal conditions," the IOC said in a news release.

In addition to the Olympic Order in Gold that was presented to Liu Qi, 14 members of the Beijing Organizing Committee's senior leadership were presented with the Olympic Order in Silver and a further 90 members of BOOCG received the Olympic rings.

"My colleagues and I are extremely honored to be awarded the Olympic Order," said Liu. "It's not only a honor for the entire team of BOCOG, but also a recognition of the hard work that the Chinese people have done to host a successful games."

At the closing ceremony of the Beijing Games, Rogge thanked the people of China, BOCOG and the wonderful volunteers for their tremendous work and support for the Games. This was echoed from all corners of the Olympic Movement. From the athletes to the International Sports Federations via the media and Games sponsors, everyone has praised the standard of these Games and the hospitality of the Chinese people.