A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Youth Camp program was signed on Wednesday by the Beijing Olympic organizers and the All-China Youth Federation (ACYF).

According to the MOA the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee entrust the ACYF with the 21-day program, to be held from August 6-26, 2008, at China Youth Center for International Exchange.

Dong Xia, an ACYF official, said a total of 800 teenagers aged 16-18 from International Olympic Committee member countries and regions would participate. 

"For the first time in the history of the Olympic Youth Camp 50 young people with disabilities will be invited from around the world to participate in the activities," said Dong.

Dong explained that camp members would attend the 2008 Games' Opening and Closing Ceremonies, sports events, some would be selected to participate in the Olympic Torch Relay and visits to the Olympic Village arranged for them.   

Aside from sightseeing activities and visits the campers will also have an opportunity to participate in workshops on traditional Chinese culture. These will include martial arts, calligraphy, folk arts and crafts and Chinese children's games.

From the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games the Olympic Youth Camp program has been an educational and cultural exchange program under the Olympic banner. Since the 1960s all Olympic Games have supported the initiative.

It's aimed at fostering exchange and friendship between young people of various countries and educating them to understand and carry forward the Olympic spirit.

(Xinhua News Agency January 11, 2007)