"A new branch of mystic thought had already grown strong, one not religion in nature, but no less perilous to mankind � exaggerated nationalism. Half a century has shown that this new adversary is so strong that it places in question man's very survival". That was Albert Einstein in 1952.

At Olympics, national pride rules dominant when the focus is on the medal tally. 205 nations are participating. More than 80 state leaders and royals are there to attend the opening ceremony and related events. Beijing is now the capital of the world. It was indeed a long journey from Athens to Beijing.



Each of us live in a world of our own, with our own dreams. All these worlds are within one real physical world. The universal dream is that all our dreams should be fulfilled. That is why perhaps, the very motto of the Beijing Olympics is 'One World-One Dream'.

Like the Five Olympic Rings from which they draw their color and inspiration, Fuwa will serve as the Official Mascots of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, carrying a message of friendship and peace -- and good wishes from China -- to children all over the world.

Designed to express the playful qualities of five little children who form an intimate circle of friends, Fuwa also embody the natural characteristics of four of China's most popular animals -- the Fish, the Panda, the Tibetan Antelope, the Swallow -- and the Olympic Flame.

Each of Fuwa has a rhyming two-syllable name -- a traditional way of expressing affection for children in China. Beibei is the Fish, Jingjing is the Panda, Huanhuan is the Olympic Flame, Yingying is the Tibetan Antelope and Nini is the Swallow.

When you put their names together -- Bei Jing Huan Ying Ni -- they say "Welcome to Beijing," offering a warm invitation that reflects the mission of Fuwa as young ambassadors for the Olympic Games, according to the Olympics Committee.

Fuwa also embody both the landscape and the dreams and aspirations of people from every part of the vast country of China. In their origins and their headpieces, you can see the five elements of nature -- the sea, forest, fire, earth and sky -- all stylistically rendered in ways that represent the deep traditional influences of Chinese folk art and ornamentation.

Let the message of friendship and peace reach every nook and corner of this world.