Athletes in the American state of Oregon have held a naming ceremony for a friendship tree commemorating the victims of China's Wenchuan earthquake. The tree celebrates the friendship between the two countries.

In Eugene City, the hometown of US field and track events, a tree has been planted and named as the Friendship Tree. Some athletes selected for the 2008 Olympics, along with sports officials, local children, and the mayor of Eugene, attended the ceremony.

Kitty Piercy, Eugene City Major said "One of the things we're doing this afternoon is to dedicate this tree, because the young people at your age who are died in China at the earthquake. So we have this tree. We planted it to remember those children."

US Field & Track Assoc. Representative said "May this tree be a symbol of friendship, and may both the tree and the friendship grow up during this Olympic Games. So young people remember how those got the tragedy things. At the same time, we celebrate the greatness of the Olympic Games as well as the American athletes."

Athletes in the American state of Oregon have held a
naming ceremony for a friendship tree commemorating the
victims of China's Wenchuan earthquake.

Joanna Hayes, the renowned 100-meter hurdle athlete, expressed her ambitious goal for the Games.

Joanna Hayes, US 100-meter hurdler said "I'm talking about the gold medal, and to repeat and defend my title. I'll be there soon. We'll give you an exciting watch."

The mayor of Eugene said the State of Oregon will send its best contestants to Beijing. She believed they will be well received in the Chinese capital.

Children in the city also sent their best wishes to Beijing.