In This Guide
The Olympic Games
Sports enthusiast or not, you’re likely to feel something special in the air when the Olympic Games roll around. Whether you prefer to sit back on the couch and watch runners whiz around the track on TV or you feel compelled to see it all live, the Web sites we’ve collected will help you plan your Olympic experience.
Expand All Guide SectionsWhat are the Olympic Games?
Depending on whom you ask, the Olympic games are a celebration of athleticism and sportsmanship, a ... read more »
History of the Olympics
Obviously, the Olympics have changed drastically since ancient times—but what was it really ... read more »
Lists and Rules of Olympic sports
The Games are held in the summer and winter and are characterized by different athletic events, ... read more »
News Coverage of the Olympic Games
The next Games are less than a year away, and the Web is already buzzing. We’ve found sites ... read more »
Blogs and Forums for Olympic Fans
The Olympics are a worldwide event, and the Web can help you participate in a spirited global ... read more »
Planning a Trip to the See the Olympics
Live athletic competition is thrilling, and the Olympics are no exception. On the Web, you can plan a trip to Beijing for the 2008 Summer Games or even get an early start planning for the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver. You’ll learn how to purchase tickets, and discover alternative ways to attend the festivities such as volunteering.
Dulcinea's Insight
- A live sale of remaining Olympics tickets began in October on a first-come, first-serve basis. For further clarification, see the FAQ page provided by CoSport, the official site for Olympic ticket and accommodation sales in the United States.
- Consider packages that include tickets and accommodation; some even provide meals, transportation to events, and tours of Beijing. The sites below present some options to help you find a plan suiting your needs.
- Other ways to attend the Games include volunteering and participating in the torch relay, both of which are typically difficult gigs to get if you’re not a resident of the host country. Getting a job with the torch relay in particular is quite competitive; you’ll have to go through a strict nomination and selection process. See the official torch site for further information.
- See the findingDulcinea Travel Web Guide for sites and insights to help you plan a trip to China—or anywhere else.
- For information on third-party sites selling tickets to the Beijing Games, consult the findingDulcinea Sports Web Guide.
Dulcinea's Picks
For attending as a fan …
Beijing 2008
, the official Beijing 2008 site, posts ticket announcements and news about sales, including a chart showing prices for different events at a glance. You can link to the official ticketing Web site from a link on the bottom right, but this is only applicable to residents of China.
CoSport
, an official sponsor of the U.S. Olympic Team, offers various packages for fans. Although live ticket sales have already begun, you can e-mail the company at tickets@cosport.com to learn about different options, such as packages including tickets and accommodation or meals and ground transport.
Roadtrips
specializes in sports travel; it offers several packages to the Beijing Olympics in 2008. You can purchase tickets to any event, including the opening and closing ceremonies, along with luxury hotel accommodation, transportation to and from events, and a guided tour of the city.
Western States Ticket Sales
offers tickets to Olympic competitions for most sports. You can browse for tickets here, but to purchase, you’ll have to order tickets over the phone.
For volunteering opportunities …
The official site of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games
offers a multimedia manual for potential volunteers. In addition to recruitment videos, you’ll find a helpful section covering “Volunteer Positions and Requirements,” which outlines the possibilities, including working as a social volunteer promoting the Olympic spirit in Beijing communities and villages.
Beijing International
helps foreigners apply for volunteer roles in the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Read about general policies, such as training and work schedules, and consult the application guide. Click “Signing Up” to fill out and submit your application online.
For the torch relay …
Lenovo
, a worldwide computing partner of the Beijing Olympic Games, is organizing the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in China. Watch videos, read personal essays, and help decide which three individuals should run the torch.
For travel safety ...
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
offers material about disease risks (such as for traveler's diarrhea and breathing problems), preparing for your trip (such as packing a health kit) and staying healthy. It also includes links to information for athletes traveling to China for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Competing in the Olympics
Ah, to compete in the Olympics—the prestige, the pride, the pain. Yes, pain. It’s not ... read more »
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