Beijing to deploy 350,000 cheerleaders for Paralympics: report

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

BEIJING (AFP) — Beijing will mobilise 350,000 people to boost spectator figures and liven up the atmosphere for the Paralympic Games, state media reported Wednesday, amid flagging ticket sales for the event.

The vast crowds would be organised by the Beijing Federation of Trade Unions to attend Paralympic events at 17 venues, the Beijing Times said.

These "cheerleaders" would be required to watch track and field and other events, it said, while also bumping up spectator numbers and adding atmosphere.

The paper's website said only one third of the tickets for the September 6-17 Paralympics had so far been sold.

About 150,000 "cheerleaders" were similarly deployed for the Olympics, which ended on Sunday, the Beijing Times said.

© 2008 AFP