Zhang Enxuan of Beijing, one of the McDonald's Champion Kids, visits the Beijing Olympic Village on August 9, 2008. [Xinhua]

The first group of 33 "McDonald's Champion Kids" from seven countries has started their travels around Beijing's Olympic venues.

The children, who were approved by the International Olympic Committee, will visit the Olympic Park, including the Bird's Nest, the Water Cube and the National Indoor Stadium, and watch basketball, badminton and table tennis matches. They also will go to the athletes' village to meet their Olympic sports heroes, Xinhua news agency reported.

As young reporters of the Olympic Games, they will share what they have enjoyed in Beijing with their friends in their hometown.

Fast-food giant McDonald's, which sponsors the international initiative, selected the participants based on their completion of a series of physical and mental tasks that gauge their abilities to be champions.