Sports stars visit kids in Mianyang

Monday was a happy day for hundreds of students at a temporary school in quake-hit Mianyang City. They spent the afternoon with a group of former Olympic champions, and one of the most famous torchbearers, Jin Jing, who made her name protecting the torch during the Paris leg of the relay.

This school in Mianyang was one of the first to restart classes after the quake. Over 600 children from Beichuan county are currently studying here.

A host of sports stars brought equipment - and happiness - to the children.

Li Ning, former Olympic Champion said "We brought tents and folding beds for the children. We're also helping them to resume classes."

These pupils are in a painting class. They invited Jin Jing to join them.

Jin Jing said "I believe that as we unite together, we will be able to rebuild our homes. We can help people in Mianyang, Beichuan, Dujiangyan, and other quake-hit regions get their lives back to normal, and make them better."

Olympic shooting star, Yang Ling, brought some candies to cheer the children up.

Yang Ling, former Olympic Champion said "I hope these candies can make them feel happier, can help the children forget their experiences, and allow them to devote themselves to their future and make their lives better."

Gymnast Liu Xuan also performed to children in at a temporary center of Beichuan Middle School.

Liu Xuan, former Olympic Champion said "I was moved by their courage. All the children I met today are working hard for their futures, with smiles on their faces. As Li Ning said just now, they are great, Sichuan residents are great. All the Chinese people are proud of them. We should learn from them. I hope there will be always smiles on their faces, and we'll always with them."