Licensed scale model torch to go on sale March 8, 2008.(Photo: BOCOG)

 BEIJING, March 6 -- In celebration of the upcoming start of the Beijing Olympic Torch Relay, a new Beijing Olympic licensed product, a scale model of the Beijing Olympic Torch, was unveiled Thursday morning.

    Measuring 29 cm in height, the scale model of the torch is made of steel left over from the construction of the "Bird's Nest." It is the first 3-D model of an Olympic torch that has been authorized by the International Olympic Committee.

    The Olympic Flame has brought the joy and fervor of the Olympic Spirit to people all over the world for over 100 years. This August 8, when the Olympic Flame lights the cauldron inside the "Bird's Nest," the main venue of the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing, a new chapter of emotion and excitement will begin.

    In the meantime, collectors and fans around the world will have a chance to share a part of the Olympic Spirit through this collector's item. The licensed model torch has a worldwide limited release of 200,000 and will be available to collectors for 2,900 yuan beginning March 8.

    (Source: BOCOG)