Retiree looks after soldiers' insoles

A retired worker in Jian'ou, Fujian province, has made more than 10,000 insoles for soldiers in different parts of the country in the past 23 years.

Li Jinfeng decided to do something for the military in 1985 after seeing a television program in which soldiers risked their lives to fight a flood.

An expert maker of insoles, Li's work has made her popular with troops across the country.

(Southeast Express)

Middle-aged farmer embraces life of the mind

A 41-year-old pig farmer in Ruichang, Jiangxi province, stopped by a village primary school last autumn to take her place among the students.

Fan Pinghua has two daughters who are junior high school students. Fan dropped out of primary school when she was a first grade student because her family was poor.

Fan has long struggled with the challenges that occur because of a lack of education. For example, because she did not understand epidemic prevention, she lost 48 pigs to disease several years ago. The experience inspired her to go back to school.

Fan has proved a diligent student, often leading the class when it comes to examinations.

(Jiangnan Metropolis News)

81-year-old approved to carry Olympic torch

The Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee has agreed to let an 81-year-old man in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province, carry the Olympic torch.

Wu Renbao, party secretary of Huaxi Village in Jiangyin, co-signed a letter with the local sports bureau saying he is qualified to serve as a torch bearer.

Wu, who is in good health, says he can run at least 1,000 m. Each day, he walks more than 5 km.

(Yangtze Evening News)

(China Daily 01/19/2008 page3)