Tuesday will be the five hundredth day counting down to the opening of 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. To mark this special day, the 2007 Beijing International Long Distance Walk Carnival opens this morning in Chaoyang Park, with the theme of "Walking toward 2008".

At least twelve thousand people joined today's event. They hiked for eighteen kilometers in the park to show their support for the Beijing Olympics. Among them were many registered Olympic volunteers testing their physical endurance for serving the 2008 Games.

The sunny day today is very suitable for outdoor sports. The 2007 Beijing International Long Distance Walk Carnival opens in Chaoyang Park on March 25, 2007. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

To highlight the Olympic theme, the hiking route is divided into five sections marked with different colors and titles, symbolizing both the five "Olympic Rings" and the Olympic mascots.

Many participants have brought their small children, believing today will be a good memory for the young generation. A father by the last name Liu says:

"For many citizens, the Beijing Olympic Games may be our only chance to be involved in the great Olympic events. So this opportunity is very precious. For my child, I hope today's activity will tell him about the spirit of sports and the spirit of life. I hope it will leave a deep impression in his mind."

A lot of foreigners living in Beijing showed up too, sharing Chinese people's joy of welcoming the Olympic Games.

Janusz Tatera, Counselor from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to China, was very excited about the hike and brought his whole family.

"It's a beautiful day. It's a beautiful idea. I'd very like to hear your hard work for the promotion of Olympic education."

Janusz Tatera, Counselor from the Embassy of the Republic of Poland to China, shows up with his family and friends on 2007 Beijing International Long Distance Walk Carnival held on March 25, 2007 in Chaoyang Park. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.com]

Participants in today's hike each paid a twenty yuan application fee. All the proceeds will go to the "Hope Project", a national charity program that helps children in poor areas who can't afford school.

A book drive also took place alongside the hike, collecting around 2200 books in three hours. All the donated books will be used to establish libraries for children of migrant workers in the capital city.

The formal history of public hiking events in Beijing dates back to 1981. The annual International Long Distance Walk Carnival started in September, 2003, open to all residents in the capital city.