The Olympics were there to inspire the Chinese people even in time of the quake disaster. The Olympic rings and the characters "Gu Bai Dan" -- the Chinese transliteration of Pierre de Coubertin -- were seen on a piece of a broken bulletin board found in the rubble of a collapsed school. The news photo, taken in one of the worst hit counties, moved many people to tears.

Wonderful performances are showcased at the launching ceremony during the torch relay in Chengdu, Sichuan Province August 5. [Xinhua]

A week after the May 12 quake, former Olympic champions flooded into the worst-hit areas as volunteers, including Gao Min and Deng Yaping. They played games with the children, hoping to soothe them.

The sorrow-stricken children in Mianyang had a long-lost smile on their faces when they learned they could play table tennis with Olympic champion paddler Chen Longcan, and play rope skipping with synchronized swimmer Li Rouping.

"It's the first time I see them smile. Sports helped open their hearts," said a volunteer.

When the Olympic torch arrived in Mianyang on Monday, quake sufferer Luo Tang'an said he knew all the time it would come. "In fact, the flame is with us all the time," he said in his temporary lodging in Pingwu County.

The quake has taken a heavy toll and toppled homes, but never dampened the nation's faith.