BEIJING, December 28, 2007 -- 2007 has been the decisive year for the preparation of the Beijing Olympic Games. The volunteer work saw much progress this year. People from all walks of society, including celebrities, youth scholars and overseas friends, joined in on the volunteer work. "Smile wristbands" and volunteer songs became more and more popular.

By December 2007, the number of registered volunteers for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games reached 760,000. Chinese celebrities such as the actor Pu Cunxin, CCTV host Sa Beining and nine representatives of the 17th Party Congress are among the registered volunteers.

On October 11, 2007, a youth version of the Olympic volunteer "Smile wristbands" was launched. These wristbands were specially designed for children and teenagers. "Smile wristbands" are tangible messengers of the "Smile Beijing" idea. More than 300,000 "Smile wristbands" have been handed out, with widespread positive response from the public.

On the 300-day countdown to the Beijing Olympic Games, BOCOG released to the public five Olympic volunteer songs. The five songs were selected from songs collected throughout China. The writers and singers include renowned musicians, volunteers, senior citizens and university students.

The volunteer song "Smile Beijing" was even carried by China's first moon detection satellite, "Chang'e One," to outer space and successfully posted back. The Olympic volunteer song played from outer space!

On October 29, 2007, Spanish-speaking volunteers for the Beijing Olympic Games flew to Havana University in Cuba to receive four months of Spanish language training. BOCOG will provide other training in terms of ordinary, professional, venue and on-post knowledge in the future.

Twenty-six "Good Luck Beijing" pre-games events were staged in Beijing this year. More than 5,000 athletes, thousands of officials from the various International Sports Federations and technical officials, as well as journalists were received during the competition. They gave an average of 90 points for the services provided by the volunteers. The volunteers have gained more experience and matured through the sport events.