(Beijing, June 1) On the opening day of the "Good Luck Beijing" 2008 Marathon Swimming Olympic Qualification yesterday, the spectators in the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, venue of the two-day marathon swimming event, were impressed with the performance by a special group of people who, in their bright orange T shirts, cheered the swimmers during the competition while entertaining the spectators with their sports presentation in various forms.

According to the event organizers, some 800 cheering squad members took part in the sports presentation during the 2008 Marathon Swimming Olympic Qualification Tournament. Prior to this, they received systematic professional training on and were selected from a local contest for cheering squads.

The cheering squads are expected to play an important role at various venues during the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.