Celebrating "100 days to go" for the London 2012 Olympics, the UK mission to the United Nations on Wednesday organized a special Olympic event, in which students from the UN International School had an opportunity to show their athletic skills.

The event, hosted together by UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro, UK ambassadors Mark Lyall Grant and Phillip Parham, had over a dozen kindergarteners and first-graders eager to participate in a 100-meter dash here.

"The reason that we're celebrating now and here at the UN, it's because we see that opportunity, the 30th of the modern Olympics, as an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the links between sport, peace, and development," Grant told reporters. "And peace and development is very much what the United Nations is all about."

After awarding the young participants who came in first, second and third places, with medals and t-shirts, Migiro addressed those present announcing the first world record set forth by the upcoming London games.

"Last October, we saw the world record of the London games, all 193 UN member states unanimously adopted and co-sponsored the General Assembly's resolution on the Olympic Truce for London," said Migiro.

Also present was future 2012 Olympian Race Imboden from the U.S. fencing team, as well as former Olympian runner Howard Lindsay, who helped organize the event. Imboden, accompanied by a fellow fencer, gave tips on fencing techniques to those present at the celebrations.

"We hope that there will be the best games ever, and that whether you are there or watching on the television, you enjoy the games as we will do," said Grant.

The London Olympic Games will take place on 27 July.

South Africa observes 100 days to London 2012 Olympics Games

The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) on Wednesday celebrated 100 days countdown to the London 2012 Olympics Games.

At Gold Reef City in Johannesburg, a total of 100 balloons were released, symbolizing the rising of the country's athletes' dreams and hopes for the Games.

Some sporting hopefuls for the Games were in attendance, such as track and field athletes and the national men's hockey team members.

Many famous athletes at home and abroad were also present, including retired football legend Lucas Radebe, golf sensation Ernie Els and retired international cricket ace Makhaya Ntini.

It is reported that some of them would become the South African team's ambassadors for the Games.

"The role of the team ambassadors is to inspire and mentor the athletes competing at the Games," said SASCOC chief executive Tubby Reddy.

On Wednesday, the South African Broadcasting Company (SABC) announced it has acquired the free-to-air broadcasting rights for the Games, and it will use 11 official languages for the Games coverage from the end of July until August 12.

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet