The first overseas 'Olympic Family' selected by public vote arrived in Beijing on the morning of August 6.

Although they experienced a long and tiring journey from Argentina to China, the five members of Bochamdq family, including Mr. and Mrs. Bochamdq, Jair, Melissa, and Tatiana, all felt excited when they arrived at the airport. "The warm welcome from Beijing makes us very happy," said Mr. Bochamdq.

The Bochamdq family takes a great interest in China's ancient culture and wants to have a look at the country's preparation for the upcoming Olympiad. "It is in an Olympic spirit that we come across a long distance to join in Beijing's Olympic promotion," said Jair, son of Mr. Bochamdq.

The Olympic Family Campaign, which began in April this year, aims to help more people understand Chinese culture as Beijing and other host cities are preparing for the upcoming Olympic games in 2008. It selected 10 families using special websites, half nationwide and half from overseas.

The Bochamdq family is one of the five lucky families selected from 316 overseas applicants. The other four are from Germany, South Africa, and the US; they arrived in Beijing later the same day.

The families will visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube, two Olympic venues, and the Summer Palace, a famous tourist spot in Beijing's northwest, the day after their arrival.

(China.org.cn by Wu Qin, August 7, 2007)