An Olympic Youth Camp for the Beijing Games opened on Wednesday. About 500 young people from around the world gathered here to begin a special two-week Olympic experience.

Juan Samaranch, former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, addresses the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008  Olympic Youth Camp in the Beijing 101 Middle School in Beijing, China, Aug. 6, 2008. The Olympic Youth Camp officially opened on Wednesday is an integrant part of the Olympic Games and is of great significance in carrying forward the Olympic Movement. (Xinhua/Chen Xie)

After a flag-raising ceremony, former International Olympic Committee President Juan Antonio Samaranch and Beijing deputy mayor Guo Jinlong unveiled a theme sculpture for the camp, named "set your dreams free".

In his opening speech, Samaranch told the young people that they are lucky to be in Beijing to see the best Olympics ever.

About 500 young people from 205 countries and regions have been invited to the camp. All of them are excited about their journey to China.

For the first time in the history of the Olympic Youth Camps, ten disabled youth have been invited to take part in the program.

Juan Samaranch, former International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, attends the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Youth Camp in the Beijing 101 Middle School in Beijing, China, Aug. 6, 2008. The Olympic Youth Camp officially opened on Wednesday is an integrant part of the Olympic Games and is  of great significance in carrying forward the Olympic Movement.  (Xinhua/Li Ziheng)

"Youth create the future" is the slogan of this year's camp.

All the campers here are regarded as ambassadors, and are expected to bring the Olympic message of peace and development back to their country.

On Tuesday evening, campers watched a performance and toured Beijing's Chang'an Boulevard for a view of Tian'anmen Square and the China World Trade Center.

The concept of the youth camp originated at the 1912 Stockholm Olympic Games. Today, it has become an integral and special part of the Olympic Games, promoting the Olympic spirit and providing a unique Olympic experience for young people.