Olympic spirit of fair play changing attitudes

The Chinese people have made meticulous preparations with utmost sincerity and commitment for the Olympic Games in Beijing. As China prepared for and now hosts the 29th Olympiad, the Olympic spirit has been spreading throughout the country, leaving a trace of splendor over all facets and layers of the Chinese society. It is safe to say the Beijing Olympics, while treating the rest of the world to a spectacular sports extravaganza, will leave the nation itself a rich spiritual legacy as well.

Fair and just competition is the core ethos of the Olympic movement and one of the core elements of the Olympic spirit. It maintains that competition must be based on equality and absolutely adheres to the principle of "no discrimination". And it strives to create the perfect arena for competitors to do their best.

Just competition, meanwhile, stands for following the Olympic goal and rules in conducting contests of physique, skill and intelligence with utmost honesty. Without principles and values such as "just competition" sporting activities will most likely turn into a stage for all kinds of dirty tricks and bad behavior, or a pitch for gang fights.