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Two local students will get to learn everything about the 2008 Beijing Olympics firsthand.

Sailor and swimmer Eleanor Gardner and triathlete Timothy Fox, both 17, will be in the camp at Beijing from August 6 to 26, 2008. Eight hundred young people from around the world are expected to participate in the camp.

During their time there, Gardner and Fox will watch the Olympic opening and closing ceremony and the Olympic torch relay. They'll also be given a guided tour in the Olympic Village, attend a series of courses on Chinese culture and go on sightseeing trips and excursions around China.

"These two athletes were the outstanding athletes who were presented to our committee," said John Hoskins, president of the Bermuda Olympic Association. "Stan Douglas, who was the chairman of that committee, had a very difficult time assessing because the standard of the applicants were very, very good. We're very pleased to have these two athletes go to Beijing to represent Bermuda. I'm sure they'll have a great time."

Nine participants from six sports entered to attend the camp - the committee had to choose one boy and one girl. Chairman Stan Douglas said they narrowed the selection down to two boys and three girls for the interview and subsequently selected Gardner and Fox.

"When I first heard about [going to the camp] I was very excited," Fox said. "To know that I'm going to the Olympics and all the way to China has got me going already."

Gardner added: "It is just a fantastic opportunity and I'm going to enjoy meeting all the people.

"Just the fact that I'm going to such a major event is mind-blowing."[[In-content Ad]]

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