Four Olympic volunteer youths made a pledge at the launch of the "Olympic Cultural Journey of China Youth Civilization Train" on Wednesday. To unite the country in the lead up to the 2008 Games, four trains will travel the nation to inspire the people with Olympic spirit.
The trains will start from Beijing and go to Guangzhou, Shanghai, Changsha and Xi'an, starting this month.
Tong Lijun, vice-director of the Political Department of the Ministry of Railways said the event was "an effort to do the utmost for all walks of life to be inspired by the Olympics."
The trains are not only a means of transportation, but also mobile museums tracing the history of the Games that go back more than 1,000 years.
In an effort to attract more youth to the Olympics, young people are being called upon to become ambassadors for the Games and provide information, services and support to visitors at home and abroad.
Qin Yinzhu, a 20-year-old merchant law student at the Chinese University of Political Science and Law was one of those who pledged her commitment at today's event. Dressed in an orange polo T-shirt with "Good Luck Beijing Games" embroidered on it, Qin was ecstatic about her involvement in the international event.
Volunteer Qin Yinzhu can't wait to be a part of the Olympic spirit next year, October 10, 2007.
"I feel very excited to be able to do something for the society," said Qin with enthusiasm. "Our job is in three parts: to help the competitors do their best, help visitors to see the events, and cheer on the athletes."
She continued to say she will assist visitors find accommodation and adds that once she is able to help them locate a room, she will be very pleased.
Qin feels the biggest challenge for foreign visitors will be the language, but she hopes that despite this barrier, she will be able to help people have a wonderful experience of the Olympic Games.
Youth volunteers pledge their allegiance in front of Zhao Dongming, director of Cultural Activities Department under BOCOG, October 10, 2007.
Tong also said that out of all the transportation systems in the country, rail would be responsible for bringing many Olympic fans to the venues.
"Young volunteers with guidance from the National Youth Committee will share their energy and begin a new journey for the Games," Zhao Dongming, director of Cultural Activities Department under Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG).
Four rail staff involved in the Olympics train service also pledged their commitment to the Games at Wednesday's launch ceremony.
The Olympic trains will run until December 2008.
(China Daily October 11, 2007)
