Peking (pps) The International Luge Federation (FIL) will be represented at the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing. President Josef Fendt (GER) and Secretary General Svein Romstad (USA), who will stay in China until August 15, will be guests at the opening ceremony on Friday, August 8.

A record number of 205 nations will participate in the first Summer Games ever in China, which will be concluded with a closing ceremony on August 24. Almost 11,000 athletes will fight for gold, silver and bronze in 28 sports and 302 disciplines. Seven million tickets will be available worldwide.

The Games of the XXX Olympiad will take place in London, Great Britain. Vancouver (Canada) will be the venue of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.