Cancer patients participate in Olympic public fitness event (photos attached)

Updated：2007-06-25

(BEIJING, June 24) -- Over 2,000 cancer patients in Beijing took part in a major event entitled "Welcome the Olympics, Build Harmony, Fight Cancer, Get Fit, and Bring Joy" on Sunday.

The event was held at Renmin University of China. More than 300 cancer patients and members of an arts group formed the Olympic Rings, with each person brightly clad in one of the Olympic colors.

Secretary of the Beijing Red Cross Han Ludai gave a passionate speech encouraging cancer patients to be unrelenting in their battle to regain their health and happiness.

Over 300 cancer patients form the Olympic Ring

Afterwards, the Secretary-General of the Beijing Anti-Cancer Club Sun Guilan read a proposal calling for contributions to the initiative. The 2,000 plus cancer patients also exhibited solemnity in signing their names on the red "Welcome the Olympics" banner.

Audiences were treated to other highlights as well. Over 300 cancer patients wearing the Olympic colors formed five squadrons of 64, each taking turns in performing traditional Taiji fan dance, exercises to counter cancer, different types of yangko (a popular rural Chinese folk dance), and various other folk fitness activities. Also, members of an arts group of the Beijing Anti-Cancer Club performed some Beijing opera pieces.

Zeng Qing, Zhang Huamin, and Pan Youyan -- the young and caring ambassadors for cancer patients -- received enthusiastic applause throughout their performances, bringing a perfect finale to the morning's festivities.

Cancer patients performing a dance "Embrace Peace"

In chorus, singing "Smile, Beijing"