Fri, August 15, 2008
Shi Changlin rode his tricycle from southern China to Beijing.
He wants to show people what an average Chinese can do to promote the Games.
Coming from Northern China, Qin Shengjun, a cook, spent the past two years making a paper model of the Bird's Nest.
Tian Changsheng came from China's western Sichuan Province where a major earthquake flattened many towns.
He came to Beijing on his motorbike, with his often-broken stereo systems and self-composed songs written for the Games.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin with English Translation) TIAN CHANGSHENG, PERFORMER FROM SICHUAN PROVINCE, SAYING:
"To chant for the athletes here is what I really want to do. I hope they (foreign tourists) can understand the Chinese spirit and our civilization. To win gold medals is not so important."
Many more fans are out chanting for China.
Even before they get into the venues, they make sure they have something red.
Vendors sell Chinese national flags and stickers.
Fan Gao Mengyu is keen to show her support for Chinese athletes.
(SOUNDBITE) (Mandarin with English Translation) GAO MENGYU OLYMPIC SPORTS FAN, SAYING:
"We need to respect the athletes. For example, when they make a mistake, we shouldn't boo them. When people leave the venues after the Games and the venues stay clean, that means we are good spectators."
But the crowd are left to go wild on their own.
Beijing organisers are promoting an officially sanctioned chanting routine.
The four-step routine is designed to help spectators cheer in a "smooth and civilised manner".
