Champion Cities was officially launched on 21st of August at London House during the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics.

The concept served as the fountainhead for a symposium event themed on the topic - “Champions of Change: How Mega-Events Spur Social, Economic, Cultural and Environmental Transformation”.

The event was opened with a keynote speech by James Wolfensohn, Former President of The World Bank and ex-Olympian, followed by a panel discussion between Peter Foss, President of Olympic Sponsorship at GE; Wei Wei, Musical Ambassador, 2008 Beijing Olympics; Raja Randhir Singh, Secretary General Olympic Council of Asia and Teo Ser Luck, Advisor to the Singapore Youth Olympic Games. The panel was facilitated by Jaime A. Florcruz, Bureau Chief, CNN Beijing.

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games made closing remarks to the event that witnessed participation of Global CEOs, International Business media as well as partners of London House and the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

From L to R: Jaime A. Florcruz, Bureau Chief, CNN Beijing; Peter Foss, President of Olympic Sponsorship at GE; Wei Wei, Musical Ambassador, 2008 Beijing Olympics; Raja Randhir Singh, Secretary General Olympic Council of Asia; Teo Ser Luck, Advisor to the Singapore Youth Olympic Games