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Ye Xiangde, a Beijing Olympic volunteer
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22-year-old Ye Xiangde has been here everyday since the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He stands here, repeating the same words hundreds of times. Spectators walk past him bound for places that have become international symbols -- the Bird's Nest -- the Water Cube. Even when it rains, Ye Xiangde is expected to remain at his post, 100 meters from the Water Cube.
Ye Xiangde is a student in the U.S. at the University of Pennsylvania, in Philadelphia. He's devoted his whole summer to help out with the Beijing Olympics. There's no pay, no opportunity to see the competitions. But Ye Xiangde is happy.
Ye Xiangde, a Beijing Olympic volunteer says "I don't feel like it's back-breaking. The toughest part of the job comes when I have nothing to do. I'm happy when people are thronging to come to see the competitions."
There are over 8,700 volunteers like Ye Xiangde working outdoors in public areas of the Olympic Park. Most are university students. Everyday they check tickets, and provide guidance and information to spectators.
