(BEIJING, August 8) -- The National Aquatics Center, also known as the "water cube," issued an official logo Wednesday, on the occasion of the one-year countdown to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The logo embodies the soul of the National Aquatics Center and reveals the underlying meaning of the "water cube" brand. Post-Games, the venue will be converted into a comprehensive, first-class aquatics recreation center that offers exceptional services, which will contribute to the brand value of the "water cube."

The National Aquatics Center is the only Olympic venue financed in part by donations from Chinese compatriots. With high-tech features, the venue's outer membrane structure is made of Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene, which is extremely sturdy and elastic, has a high melting point of 715 degrees, and will allow 90% of sunlight into the venue.

During the Olympic Games, the venue will host the swimming, diving, and synchronized swimming events, with 42 gold medals to be awarded here.