Though Shanghai may be removed 1,300 kilometers from the main action in Beijing, it is still playing a major role in the upcoming Olympics. Our main feat is hosting the Special Olympics World Summer Games this October, an international event that brings together almost 7,500 athletes from six continents. The involvement doesn't stop there–Shanghai is also contributing athletes and volunteers to the Beijing Games, hosting official soccer matches, participating in the torch relay and generating part of a nationwide frenzy of Olympic spirit. Who can resist Olympic Fever?

Shanghai as Host

Shanghai's soccer fiends can rejoice, for Shanghai Stadium will welcome a preliminary round of the Olympic soccer tournament. As one of the Olympic venues outside of Beijing, Shanghai Stadium is getting a facelift that includes raising its total capacity from 80,000 to 100,000. The stadium, along with other major venues and tourist spots like the Bund and Yuyuan Garden, is undergoing renovation in preparation for a host of international events. "That's the reason why you haven't seen any major concerts coming through recently; major stadiums are closed for renovation in preparation for major international events like the Special Olympics, the Women's World Cup and the 2008 Olympics," explains Jiangwan Stadium Operations Director Greg Turner. Who knew it came down to a choice between Olympic-level soccer and Justin Timberlake?

Getting There and Staying

Getting tickets for the Olympics is half the battle–the other half is finding a place to stay. A number of travel agencies will be offering package deals that include tickets to events and tourist activities. For example, Sino Hotel offers four Olympic-themed packages–Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Plus (three to five star)–with varying dates, prices and event tickets. Independent travelers may want to consider more diverse apartment-sharing options. "There are small studios starting at ¥800 per night all the way to luxury villas for ¥156,000 per week–the price range is huge," laughs Homestay Beijing's managing director, Piet Bos. To find out more details on where you can stay, check out: sinohotel.com(http://www.sinohotel.com/index.html) and homestaybeijing2008.com

Shanghai's Special Olympics

Come October, over 7,500 athletes from over 150 nations will attend the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai. The event, held outside of the USA only twice, is in Asia for the first time. With over 40,000 volunteers participating, this will be this year's largest sporting event. "This is a remarkable and historic opportunity to celebrate and appreciate the extraordinary gifts and talents of people with intellectual disabilities," says Peter Wheeler, vice president of the Special Olympics International Games. Events include over 25 different sports from table tennis to lion dancing. See the feature on pg. E36 for more information on volunteering for this event.

Tracking the Torch

Shanghai may be playing second fiddle to Beijing but it can still get in on the Games' fever. The Olympic Torch Relay hits the city on May 20-21, 2008, a festive part-marathon, part-parade spectacle of Olympic glory. The city's 85 torchbearers will pass a flame that travels 137,000 kilometers through 22 countries. Featuring a traditional Chinese depiction of bright red clouds, the torch is unmistakable. The route will start at the new Donghai Bridge, run through the heart of the city and stop for the night at Century Square, resuming the next day at Xintiandi. Applications are being accepted either through organizations and institutions (read: governments and Olympic sponsors) or through public recommendations (read: everybody else). The percentage of foreign runners is capped at 5 percent, so apply at wyj.sh.gov.cn/olyvol before the March 2008 deadline.

Fuwa Fever Beibei, Jingjing, Huanhuan, Yingying and Nini comprise the oh-so-cute mascots for the Beijing 2008 Olympics. Representing five regions of China and colored to match the Olympic rings, each of these cuddly characters embodies animals and elements of Chinese nature. With over 400 franchise stores in 70 Chinese cities, they're already stocking up on limited edition coins, mascot figurines and apparel. Shanghai is host to six franchise stores and four approved retailers. "Because we won't be here next summer, we're showing our Olympic spirit by buying our Olympic gear now," says British shopper Melissa Watson. "My kids all own a different fuwa. I love that they represent the different sides of Chinese culture." This Olympic season, Beibei and the rest of the fuwa gang are set to bring in over US$70 million.

Gung-ho Olympians give us their thoughts:

Should the Games be held in Shanghai or Beijing?

Daniel Martinez

Shanghai–Our city is the symbol for modern China; it shows the best of what's to come.

Matt Pangia

Beijing–Since they're the Chinese seat of power, they deserve the Olympic glory.

Lee Anne Gregory

Shanghai–Beijing gets enough international attention as is. Let Shanghai show off, for once.

Freddy Rumeci

Shanghai–you need waiguoren [foreigners] to support the Olympics, and Shanghai's got the most.

Megan Kum

Beijing–Shanghai's a cultural wasteland ... China's historical and cultural mecca is Beijing.