Ma Yingtao woke up his family early in the morning on Sunday. They would spend half the day with disabled child Chen Gulu who came from the earthquake-hit Sichuan Province.

Chen, one of the 56 "litter ambassadors" representing Chinese 56 ethnic groups, was on an "Olympic Tour" organized by the Chinese Disabled Person Federation.

Ma Yingtao's family was one of the six voluntary families to company disables children to have a better understanding of Beijing. Ma Qingyi, the 8-year-old daughter, used to be afraid to contact disabled person. After her father explained to her that Chen Gulu, Qiang minority, was from the earthquake-stricken area, she still hesitated, but finally agreed.

When Ma Qingyi and her best friend Zhao Ying saw Chen by the first sight, they loved her at once.

"I like her ethnic clothes," said Ma Qingyi. She admitted that she was surprised when she knew that the shorter Chen was even elder than she was.

"She looks gentle and quiet," said Ma Yingtao. "But the three little girls became close friends when we arrived at my home."

Ma Qingyi played Erhu, which is two-stringed Chinese fiddle, and Chen Gulu taught her "Guozhuang", the traditional dance of Qiang minority.

"Their house is really beautiful. And they are very friendly to me," said Chen Gulu. Chen's house was totally destroyed in the Wenchuan earthquake on May 12 and her family lived in tent since then.

"I really admire her," said Ma Qingyi. "She is disabled but she is a good student and her mother told us she was always among the top three at school."

"My first opinion was to help disabled person as much as I can," said Ma Yingtao. "I also want my daughter to learn something from Chen Gulu. She is strong-minded."

Chen Gulu visited the bird-nest-shaped National Stadium, the Beijing Organizing Committee of Olympic Games (BOCOG) Building and some other places. She was so excited that she didn't even felt tired.

The Chinese Disabled Person Federation helped Chen fulfil a big dream. They gave her a computer as a gift.

"It is a wonderful present," said Chen. "Now I will be able to make friends on Internet."

Chen Gulu and Ma Qingyi exchanged their addresses. They will now become long-time friends.

(Xinhua News Agency June 23, 2008)