With the Beijing Olympics drawing closer, Chinese sports officials are getting more enthusiastic about learning English.

At English First, the official language training services supplier of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, an English-language class has been set up for the sports officials from the Beijing Olympic organizing committee.

English magazines and books such as News Weekly and Sports English serve as their learning materials.

"We are basically at the level of elementary school students in terms of English skills," said Bai Junhua, a shooting official for the Beijing Games. "At first, I could hardly speak English, but now I have made great progress. I hope that I can speak fluently in the future."

Bai, who will be responsible for dealing with the results of the shooting events in 2008, was one of the students in the class.

Despite a strong regional accent, Bai said he is enjoying his studies despite the occasional hiccup.

"I mistakenly said 'homewife' for 'housewife' and 'friendly' for 'friendship' in class. I still need more practice," he said.

Bai has also found opportunities to learn independently. He visits the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics campus, near BOCOG's headquarters, every morning to practice his English and attend lectures.

"I hope I can make great progress and 'fly higher' in terms of English communication," he said. "'Flying higher' is the requirement of the Olympic Games, as well as the aim for us organizers."

Chen Xu, a baseball competition director, said more work is needed.

"We mainly practice writing and reading at school. But as Olympic organizers, speaking and listening are much more important," he said.

The organizers of the Beijing Olympics also have an English corner in their workplace.

Their teachers gave them two thumbs up for effort.

"They're very busy with their work, but they all manage to attend the six hours of training each day at the weekend," said Liang Jingbo, manager of the Olympic project at English First.

Xinhua contributed to the story