80,000 kilometers of Olympic spirit

[newworka1]

My name is Yu Shijun. I am 58 years old. Like many people of my age, I have precious grandsons and granddaughters. But there's a treasure I have that others don't: an Olympic banner stamped with the seals of 33 provinces and autonomous regions and 382 provincial and city governments in China. Since 2002, I've traveled around the country on my bike to publicize both the Olympics and environmental protection. I've traveled 80,000 kilometers and have carried the Olympic spirit with me the entire way.

However, I never gave up hope, and persisted in my efforts, through which I was named one of the Top Ten Most Caring People in China. In January of 2008, Deng Yaping and a BOCOG official presented me with a commemorative cup and a certificate declaring my membership in the Olympic Promotion Team of Star Volunteers. From then on, I began to fulfill my commitment to promote the Games.

The first 2,520 km

I liked sports very much when I was young. I've been swimming in the winter since 1968. After retirement I joined a sports club where I often swam, climbed mountains and rode bikes. In May 2002, 10 friends and I (4 Koreans and 7 Chinese) went on a bike trip through Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, Hebei, Shanghai and Beijing, publicizing the Olympic Games and the 10th anniversary of the establishment of foreign relations between China and the Republic of Korea. In 23 days we covered 2,520km and though it was difficult, I felt happy. This priceless experience game me an idea: why can't we travel like this around the country?




With my cycling friends

Olympic flag flutters on the summit of Mount Tanglha


In 2003, four friends and I -- all over 50 years old -- formed a cycling team. One or two times a week we traveled more than 100km to Laoshan Mountain. In June 2003 we rode 2,008 kilometers to Korea in 26 days, passing dozens of cities and towns like Taego, Pusan and Seoul.

As we traveled we spread the word about the Olympic Games, China and Qingdao.

In October 2003, carrying an Olympic flag given to us by the Qingdao Olympic Sailing Committee, we started our journey around China. In 19 days we covered 1,500km, riding through Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui and Zhejiang. In May 2004, we rode 2,008km in 25 days, through Tangshan, Beidaihe, Qinghuangdao, Shanhaiguan and Chengde. Finally we arrived at Beijing and took part in the 2004 Olympic Torch Relay. In May 2005 we traveled 15,006km from Qingdao to Shanxi through ten provinces. Along the way we promoted the Olympic Games and the sailing competition that would be held in Qingdao. And three of us brought the Olympic flag to the top of Mount Tanghla -- 5,231 meters above sea level.

A trip to Hong Kong and Macao

Shortly after my son's wedding on October 12, 2006, I left for a trip to Hong Kong and Macao. In one and a half months, I covered 4,277km, passing seven provinces. Among our group of ten was an 82-year-old friend. Many people found out that I had come all the way from Qingdao and came to take photos with me and the Olympic flag. And many of them said that they hoped they could be volunteers during the 2008 Olympic Games!



More than 600 postmarks, a demonstration of my pursuit of the Olympic spirit

Cycling record: 382 seals and 80,000 km


In the last few years, I have made my mark all over China – from Tanglha Mountain to the Gobi desert, from Lhasa to Sanya. I displayed the Olympic banner on my bike and tried to demonstrate the Olympic spirit to my countrymen and tell people more about the Olympic Games. The flag has traveled 80,000 km with me and now bears 382 seals from provinces and cities across China. I have traveled to every corner of the country except for Chinese Taipei.

Volunteering at the Olympics

Now I'm learning English. Why? I want to be a volunteer at the Olympic sailing venue. There are less than 20 volunteers over the age of 50. I' m one of them. During the Olympic Games I will be providing services to spectators from around the world at a 530-meter long dam. The service I provide will always come with a sweet smile.

Information taken from:
80,000 kilometers of Olympic spirit - Other Analects

[wchua24]

the olympics in near im excited to see the games..this is big and its happening on china...

[jv17]

your story is nice very inspiring