The 2008 Olympics will open on Friday in Beijing, China — a nation that has been dreaming of hosting the world event for 100 years.

More than ten-thousand athletes from 205 countries as well as leaders of some 100 nations will attend the event which is expected to be the biggest Olympics in history.

China injected around 40-billion dollars, with full support from the government, in organizing the event.

Twelve new stadiums were built and 45 facilities were set up and expanded for the games.

The Chinese government has declared Friday a holiday for all firms, excluding some government agencies, as part of efforts to celebrate the nation’s hosting of the Olympics.

South Korea seeks to bring home more than ten gold medals.