What does an Olympic Demonstration Event mean?

Question

For Wushu...does that mean that this event was held just because the Olympics is in Beijing?

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-08/05/content_8976339.htm

Answer 1

It means that the sport is run like a real Olympic event at a the Olympics so it can be assessed both for its popularity and for its viability as a real Olympic competition for future Olympic games...

Let's hope that Wu Shu makes it through as a medalling sport for London 2012 and beyond!

Answer 2

not an offcial sport yet, the medals won don't count in the standings

Answer 3

I can't help but think Demonstrations are exhibitions held just because the athletes are gathered together and their sport competition is done. They've got nothing better to do than keep up the momentum and show their win wasn't a fluke.

It's to show they really DO HAVE TALENT ;)