August 8, 2006 began the two-year countdown to the official opening of the 29th Olympic Games in Beijing in 2008. On this very special day, people from all walks of life throughout this ancient host city marked their own observance of the Olympic spirit in a special way: a massive morning physical-exercise event.

  With the theme of "One Million People Participating in Bodybuilding," the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee attracted over one million residents from 18 districts and counties in the city to take their morning exercises in 10 large parks, 20 communities and 15 sports plazas. Approximately 500 sports and bodybuilding fans gathered early in the morning in Beijing's Longtan Park, the main venue for the activity, to express their enthusiasm and warm anticipation of the upcoming Olympics. They enjoyed a variety of colorful fitness activities, including Taiji boxing and Taiji ball, Mulan fan dancing and Yangge, which is a very common and popular folk dance. By encouraging everybody to play a part in the massive fitness-building activities, Beijing would like to demonstrate to the outside world its dynamics and confidence in hosting a successful Olympic event with unique Chinese characteristics.

  The Olympic Games in 2008 will provide people and friends from around the world an unprecedented opportunity to closely observe the ever-changing Beijing and enhance their understanding of China's splendid cultural heritage and long history. China and its people are looking forward to welcoming guests and athletes from around the world with demonstrations of both its national culture and sports culture.