BEIJING, August 7 -- The United Nations in China and BOCOG's Volunteer Department held a high-profile celebration on the eve of the start of the 2008 Olympic Games to recognize the service of Beijing Olympic volunteers both in preparations for the Games and contributions to development in China.

"No matter who wins the most medals at the Games, one thing is clear – these volunteers will win the hearts and minds of visitors to Beijing," said Achim Steiner, U.N. under-secretary-general and executive director of the U.N. Environment Program (UNEP).

"By dedicating their time and talents in the service of others, these Olympic volunteers illustrate the powerful role that volunteers can play in assisting vulnerable groups of society," he added.

Four volunteers, the youngest being 15 and the eldest 87, recounted their experiences in preparing for the Games and volunteering in leading environmental programs and helping victims of the devastating earthquake that struck Sichuan province in May. They were 87-year-old Sun Fangchui; Xiong Shujuan who volunteered in the quake-hit Sichuan area; Zhao Du, one of the top ten volunteers in Beijing; and Liang Suhui, a doctoral student at Tsinghua University. All of them volunteer for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In preparation for the Olympics, Beijing has mobilized well over one million venue, city and social volunteers to ensure successful Olympic Games.

On behalf of U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Khalid Malik, U.N. resident coordinator and UNDP resident representative in China, read a statement of encouragement and appreciation addressed to the Beijing Olympic volunteers. Malik said: "By dedicating their time and talents in the service of others, these Olympic volunteers illustrate the powerful role that volunteers can play in assisting vulnerable groups of society."

In the closing speech, Liang Wei, a senior BOCOG Official and member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, stated that one of the key legacies of the Games would be the increased participation of Beijing and Chinese citizens in volunteerism.

In attendance at Thursday's event were Tessa Jowell, minister of London and the Olympics, and Dong Hong, deputy director-general of the China International Center for Economic and Technical Exchanges.

Former Olympic champion Yang Yang and award-winning actress and UNDP China National Goodwill Ambassador Zhou Xun also attended the function.