An Olympic torch bearer from Finland expressed his condolences and prayed for the earthquake-hit areas in southwest China during Friday's relay in Nanchang, central China.

"I firmly believe that China has the capability of overcoming this calamity and I would like to do whatever possible to help," said John Shibutani, the only Finnish torch bearer during the Nanchang leg relay in Jiangxi Province.

"I think the torch relay is also a good way of passing the blessings and care to those killed or injured in the quake," he said.

Working as a technical manager in the Hi-Tech Development Zone, 35-year-old Shibutani has been in the "City of Heroes" for nearly two years with his wife and three sons.

"Before I came here, everybody around had tried to persuade me to drop this 'crazy' idea of coming to Nanchang. However, it turned out to be quite a surprise," said Shibutani.

"Nanchang had already been a modern city by the time of my arrival, and I was honored to witness its fast development in recent years."

(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2008)