As we move from 2007 into 2008 we have much to look forward to in the year ahead---the Beijing Summer Olympics officially known as the XXIX Olympiad will be celebrated from August 8-24, 2008 with the opening ceremony held at the Beijing National Stadium.The Friendlies were unveiled as the official mascots for the 2008 Summer Games by the National Society of Chinese Classic Literature Studies, like the 5 Olympic Rings the Friendlies will carry the message of friendship, peace and blessings from China to children all over the world.
The 5 mascots incorporate Fish, Giant Panda, Fire, Tibetan Antelope and Swallow---when the 5 names are put together they form a phrase "Beijing Huanying Ni" which means "Beijing Welcomes You"
