http://www.weplay.com/groups/34-Oregon-Ducks/posts/4559

Well, I couldn't let Jennie Finch and LeBron James have all the fun this summer--so I flew all the way to Beijing, China to experience the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. I'll be posting blog reports, photos and hopefully a few videos from my time here.

To start things off, I have to say the Chinese did quite a job on the various Olympic arenas. They're all extremely unique and close in proximity. I'm based out of the gymnastics venue--which is awesome because it's located in the National Indoor Stadium right next to the crazy looking "Birds Nest" - National Stadium and the "Water Cube" - National Swimming Center. The architecture is very telling of China to say the least.

One thing reporters back at home fail to mention about the Olympic structures is that every building, arena and just plan old towers and street lights begin flashing with Times Square like lights as soon as the sun goes down. Think the Olympics gone Vegas. You can't even tell it's dark sometimes with all the lights shinning from each building.

I uploaded a number of photos including a couple of the Water Cube, where the swimming events are held. The entire structure dominates the Olympic Park as it changes colors throughout the night. It's bizarre but disco-fab all at the same time.

I haven 't taken any photos of downtown Beijing or from any of the gardens or temples. So far work is keeping me tied down in the Olympic arenas and media village, but I hope to explore a few of China's treasures in the coming weeks. In particular, I have to see: The Great Wall, The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

To back track to my arrival a few days ago--My flight happened to arrive in Beijing at the same time as the US Women's Gymnastics team. Man did they look excited. They took a number of group photos as they gathered up their luggage--all while at least three different camera crews crowded around them hoping to get the first peak at the team favored to win gold in the women's team competition.

The female Olympians sported some pretty cool sky blue track suites with white and red lettering. They didn't look at all tired after their 13-hour flight around the globe. I guess that's expected from 16-20 year-old spunky girls.

Ok, more to come shortly. I'm still a bit jetlagged. Go USA!

Hey, I'm Candice from weplay, and I want to hear from you. If you need help exploring the site, uploading media, inviting friends or just want some inside information on weplay, please feel free to send me a message.

My door is always open, especially for the truly devoted sports fans. But seriously, if you have question or comment, big or small, pass it my way and I'll do my best to help you along.

The Huddle is also a great place to learn about new features on weplay and to check out the most recent Coach of the Week. That's right coaches, watch out! You just might be nominated for COW by one of your players or fellow coaches. If so, you'll be featured on the Huddle and the weplay homepage!

Finally, if you haven't already, check out the Click a Pic module. I'm kind of addicted to it right now. Not only can you nominate your own photos for Click a Pic, you can also win prizes and signed memorabilia from your favorite athletes just for playing.

Alright, that's it for now. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Candice

P.S. If you're an Oregon Ducks fan, you should check out my group. Go Ducks!

I was just one among a crowd of nearly 3,500 fans who enjoyed the Sunday night match up of Team USA vs the hometown Stratford, Brakettes in Connecticut.

In one of the final games of the 6-month Bound 4 Beijing Tour, USA Softball continued to dominate. And the fans couldn't have been happier.

Hundreds of young softball players rendering their seats obsolete, stood cheering frantically for their favorite Team USA Player (Jennie Finch of course!) as she pitched yet another no hitter, leading her team to a 9-0 victory.

As I made my way across Frank DeLuca Field, I was nearly blinded by the reflection of hundreds of trademark Jennie Finch glitter headbands gleaming from the heads of young girls in the stands. Blue, red, green, yellow but mostly pink--the headbands were absolutely everywhere.

For Jennie, it must of felt as if she was pitching in front of a rainbow rather than a sold out overflowing crowd filled with fans form all across the Tri-State area. I bet she loved it!

Indeed, I think the entire US team did. After giving the fans a great performance, including a well-received bomb of a home run, the entire team graciously signed softball after t-shirt after jersey after poster for their elated fans. In fact, I bet they didn't get done signing until well after 11PM that night. I actually had to leave before they were finished so I could catch the last train back to Manhattan.

On my way home, all I could think about was how great it was to see such support and enthusiasm from Team USA both on the field and after the game with the fans. It was a perfect night for softball and an even better night for the fans that keep dreaming and believing just like their role model Jennie Finch.

GO USA!