On August 12, Beijing welcomed the first batch of 60 children from quake-hit provinces such as Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi in a bid to help them realize their Olympic dreams. They visited some Olympic venues and watched several matches. With great joy, they visited the renovated Qianmen Street, one of the most attractive historical sites in Beijing's old town and tasted some old Beijing snacks.

These 60 youngsters were invited by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Youth League for a "Dream Fulfillment Tour". A total of 130 youngsters selected from 31 provinces in China participated in the event.

    
On August 12, Beijing welcomed the first batch of 60 children from quake-hit provinces such as Sichuan, Gansu and Shaanxi in a bid to help them realize their Olympic dreams. They visited some Olympic venues and watched several matches. [Photo: CRIENGLISH.COM]

Bearing the theme "Fulfill Olympic Dreams, Harmonious China," the week-long event aims to promote the Olympic spirit, conduct Olympic education and spread Olympic culture among youngsters. For young students from outside Beijing, the event gave them a chance of getting to know Beijing better, soak up its traditional culture and feel its pulse. The 130 children also hope to make friends for life on the trip.

The seven-day-tour will be a remarkable experience for them. They have been to the Forbidden City, visit Jianguomen Post Office and watch Olympic matches. Besides, they painted T-shirts with color pens. Some wrote, "Cheer for Sichuan, Cheer for China." Some painted their favorite idols like Yao Ming and Liu Xiang.

Seven days passed very quickly. It is time to say goodbye. They are all reluctant to part and promise to meet ten years from now.

(Reporter: Liu Bing, Xu Liuliu)