Samaranch Foundation was officially launched in Beijing, China on 13th July, 2012 -- the 11th anniversary of Beijing winning the bid for 2008 Olympic Games. The Launching Ceremony took place at the Grand Hall of the People. Mr. LIU Qi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Mr. LIU Peng, President of Chinese Olympic Committee, Mr. GUO Jinglong, Party Secretary and Mayor of Beijing, Juan Antonio Samaranch Jr., member of the International Olympic Committee, Spanish Ambassador Mr. Eugenio Bregolat, and Xavier Trias, Mayor of Barcelona attended the Launching Ceremony.  

The Samaranch Foundation is a non-profit foundation established in China. The original funds of the Foundation have been donated by Samaranch Family, International Olympic Committee, Chinese Olympic Committee, Beijing Olympic City Development Association, Spanish Government, Municipal Government of Barcelona, ANTA, Samsung China, Tibet Spring, China Post, Beijing Tourism Group, Taishan Sports and La Caixa.

To follow Mr. Samaranch's spirits, Samaranch Foundation focuses on strengthening friendships with China, spreading Olympic Ideal and promoting sports and culture exchanges among China, Spain and the whole world. The board members of the Foundation include representatives of IOC, Chinese and Spanish government, representatives of the donors, and Chinese and international sports celebrities.

President of the International Olympic Committee, Dr. Jacques Rogge sent his message: Known around the world, Juan Antonio Samaranch was one of those men who make their mark on their era, and whose influence is felt long after they have gone. It was thanks to his extraordinary vision and talent that the Olympic Movement became strong and unified, and his achievements will leave a legacy that will continue long into the future. Among his many remarkable accomplishments, he will be long remembered for making possible the return of China within the Olympic family and thus for promoting the Olympic Movement and its values throughout the country and in particular among the young people.

Founder of the Foundation, Mr. Samaranch Jr. expressed his feeling: Our father valued the love and friendship he always received from China. Two years ago we started to think on the best possible way to keep his legacy alive. This is the main driving force behind the Samaranch Foundation. Its objectives are to secure the Samaranch-China legacy, promote Sport for All activities necessary for a healthy lifestyle in China and develop all possible relationships between his two beloved countries: Spain and China. But this is only the beginning. Our dream is to have in the Foundation a useful tool developing many different projects in China. My father was a dreamer himself. He would be proud of us.

Mr. Zaiqing Yu, President of Samaranch Foundation from Chinese side said: We will devote ourselves to further developing the profound friendship between Samaranch and China, spreading Olympic Ideal through Olympic cultural and educational events, enhancing communication between China and Spain, and contributing to the development of sports in China.

Mr. LIU Peng, President of Chinese Olympic Committee said: We believe that the establishment of Samaranch Foundation is the right way to show our respect to Mr. Samaranch, to further develop the legacy of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, and to deepen the friendship between Samaranch Family and China, especially with Chinese sports field. The foundation will contribute to sports and culture exchange between China and Spain, promote Olympic Movement in China and the whole world. I wish Samaranch Foundation a bright future and become a bridge between China and Spain on sports exchange and spreading Olympic Spirits.

Staring from 2013, Samaranch Foundation will publish the official "Juan Antonio Samaranch—a biography", award Samaranch Scholarship, organize Samaranch Olympic Collection Forum and "Samaranch Trophy" Sport events,  promote Sports for All concept in west China as well as celebrate 40th Anniversary of Establishment of Sino-Spain Diplomatic relations with an Art Expo in two countries.