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SCMP Reporter

Only 480 days to go

A

The countries: China

After 1978,  Deng Xiaoping  and other leaders focused on market-oriented economic development and by 2000 output had quadrupled. For much of the population, living standards have improved dramatically and the room for personal choice has expanded, yet political controls remain tight.

Capital: Beijing

Population: 1,313,973,713 (July 2006 est.)

Languages: Standard Chinese or Mandarin (Putonghua, based on the Beijing dialect), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (Shanghainese), Minbei (Fuzhou), Minnan (Hokkien-Taiwanese), Xiang, Gan, Hakka dialects, and other minority languages.

National Holiday: Anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China,  October 1 (1949)

Which oceans meet mainland China?

1.

2.

3.

4.

CIA World Fact Book: www.cia.gov

Flags of the World: www.flagspot.net

The medals are designed with inspiration from 'bi', China's ancient jade piece inscribed with a dragon pattern. The medals, made of gold and jade, symbolise nobility and virtue and are an embodiment of traditional Chinese values - ethics and honour.

B

The sports: canoeing and kayaking

The history of the canoe and kayak can be traced back thousands of years when natives used these craft to hunt, fish and travel.

1. Canoe/Kayak Flatwater Races are held on (a. flat b. rough or c. clear) water, with competitors assigned to lanes.

2. Canoe/Kayak Slalom events require the paddlers to negotiate 20 to 25 gates in (a. deep b. turbulent or c. white) water over a 300-metre course. Competitors aim to complete the course in the shortest time.

C

What is a stitch?

Use these words: exercising, inadequate, sharp

A stitch is a 1. ________ pain felt in your side just under your ribs. It is commonly felt while running. It can be painful and cause you to stop 2. __________ . Although it is not clear what  causes a stitch, it is thought that these pains  are a result of 3. __________ oxygen delivery to the muscles that are involved in breathing - the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles (between the ribs).

Breathing through pursed lips is recommended to ease the pain, but stopping your exercise activity is sometimes the only solution.

Visit the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (in English) online:http://en.beijing2008.cn

NEXT WEEK

The Country: Costa Rica

The Sport: Boxing

Answers:A - East China Sea, Korea Bay, Yellow Sea and South China Sea; B - 1. a, 2. b; C - 1. sharp, 2. exercising, 3. inadequate



The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games