JOHANNESBURG, April 18 (Xinhua) -- 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.