'Good Luck Beijing' cheerleading squad slated to debut at beach volleyball event (photos attached)

(BEIJING, July 9) -- A new, 40+ member volunteer cheerleading squad will perform and lead crowds to cheer on teams competing in the "Good Luck Beijing" competitions.

The squad will make its debut at the 2007 FIVB Beach Volleyball Women's Challenger in August.

During the squad's first rehearsal Saturday, the cheerleaders demonstrated their strength and range in ability with well-choreographed routines. They mesmerized the rehearsal audience with their Chinese cheerleading skills through both individual and group performances.

The cheerleading squad's routine sequence and timing will be an important consideration, especially at competitions like Beach Volleyball, where the Chinese audiences are not as familiar with the sport.

The cheerleaders, inspired by photos of the Personal Plus dancers at the 2004 Athens Olympic Beach Volleyball competition, vowed to try their hardest to do their part for the Olympic Games.

The open rehearsal proved that even non-Olympic athletes can participate in the Olympic Games.