Lopez Lomong, the United States flag bearer in the Beijing Games opening ceremony, joined a group of fellow Olympians and Paralympians in Colorado this holiday season to help build homes for Habitat for Humanity. Joining him were volleyball Silver Medalist, Nicole Davis; cyclist, Michael Blatchford; pentathlete, Eli Bremer, and eight other Olympic athletes and coaches.
(photo © Newscom)

By Guest Blogger Bo Durkop
Lopez Lomong of Sudan has come a long way to make it to the Olympics, and in more ways than one. His inspiring journey is one that has inspired all who have heard it. As a six year old boy, Lomong was separated from his parents, kidnapped by a government-backed militia, and was taken to a work camp.

Lomong remained there before being adopted by the family in upstate New York.
Among some of his favorite memories with the American family he calls his own are of weekends watching cartoons.
“I watched a lot of Tom and Jerry …read more

The Opening Ceremonies of the Beijing Olympics will be held tomorrow night at the Olympic Stadium, and although many components are being kept secret (such as the final torch bearer), much is known about the festivities.
The date and the time are symbolic. Eight is a lucky number in China. Hence, August 8, 2008 at 8:08:08 pm is about as lucky as you can get. The ceremony is expected to last about 3 1/2 hours.
Entertainers will include Britain’s Sarah Brightman (of “Phantom of the Opera” fame), Canada’s Celine Dion, and Taiwan’s Jay Chou.
Among the 104 foreign dignitaries attending the event are …read more

Eight years ago, Lopez Lomong–a competitor in the men’s 1500m–was a refugee from Sudan, a boy without a country. He was featured in the documentary “Lost Boys of Sudan” and immigrated to the United States, becoming a citizen in 2007. This year, he is representing his new country in the Olympics. In return, the US has honored Lomong by choosing him to carry the US flag in the Opening Ceremonies. “It’s more than a dream,” he told the Associate Press yesterday.
The Beijing Olympic Opening Ceremonies begin tomorrow at 8pm Beijing time (8am EDT). The (taped) event will be broadcast on …read more