*

Beijing bars hosting charity benefits on Olympic anniversary

Thursday, 5th August 2010 ~ Maggie ~ Link ~ Comments (0)

Two years ago today, Beijing was the most nervous city on the planet. Its Olympic venues were ready, but—depending on who you asked—either negative coverage by the international media, or problems like air pollution, forced relocations, ethnic unrest and Internet censorship cast some doubt over the days, weeks and months before the games.
One of the propaganda signs that were ubiquitous in Beijing ahead of the 08 Olympics.
One of the propaganda signs that were ubiquitous in Beijing ahead of the 08 Olympics. "Honor the motherland; Applaud the Olympics."

While many still argue that the Olympics in general, and Beijing's Olympics in particular, do more harm than good, the 2008 Games were largely viewed as a success in terms of event management, athletics and entertainment.

In honor of the two-year anniversary of the Beijing Olympics, this weekend a few Beijing bars will be holding theme nights benefiting local sports charity, CAI, which provides sports and arts programming to schools for the children of migrant workers in the capital. So if you think the Beijing Olympics were a boon to the country and the planet, come on out and celebrate. If you think they were a crime, come out and be part of the solution by supporting a charity that gives Beijing's most disadvantaged young people the chance to play organized basketball and soccer.

Here, cribbed with permission of the man behind Beijing Boyce, is a breakdown of the weekend's festivities:

Saturday, August 7
China Doll, 11 PM-2 AM

This Sanlitun nightclub was a party spot for some of the games' biggest stars. This Saturday, according to Boyce, it will "show footage and photos from its Olympics parties and display its flag decorated with the signatures of scores of Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Usain Bolt.

"Flaming gold medal" shooters on Saturday are RMB30, with RMB15 going to CAI.

Sunday, August 8
Fubar, 6-8 PM

Fubar wasn't around during the Games, but its owner managed another Beijing bar then, and its location inside an Olympic venue (Workers' Stadium) makes it a great place to celebrate this weekend.

The bar's mixologists created the Fu Wa cocktail for this occasion. The Fu Wa is RMB25, and RMB15 goes to CAI.

George's, 8 PM-

Located very close to Fubar, George's will screen the opening ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics, starting at 8 PM.

All martinis are RMB30, with RMB15 going to CAI.

For more information, go to Beijing Boyce.

Tags: