I know you’ve all been waiting for the official cheer of the 2008 games to be handed down by the Chinese government (actually from the Party Office of Spiritual Civilization Development and Guidance to be exact). The wait is over. Stop reading blogs and start practicing.

Instructions:

Step 1: Clap two times (while chanting 奥运, “Olympics”)
Step 2: Hands in fists with thumbs up, arms extended upward (while chanting, 加油, “Let’s go!”)
Step 3: Clap two time (while chanting 中国, “China”)
Step 4: Hands in fists, arms extended outward and upward (while chanting 加油, “Let’s go!”)

Earlier in the week there was a ceremony to reveal the cheer and the Party Office of Spiritual Civilization Development and Guidance made it clear it wants to emphasize the versatility of said cheer — that it could be “Go Olympics! Go China!” or “Go China! Go Yao Ming!” or “Go Brazil! Go Ronaldino!” The idea is to give encouragement to every country and athlete in competition. How about “Go Yuan! Go trade surplus!”

According to Danwei:

The Beijing News also reported that students across the country will be trained in the cheer, including the 800,000 students who will watch the games on-site. In addition, 448 volunteers will lead spectators in the cheer at both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Again, I want to reiterate how good it is that Roger Clemens won’t be on the U.S. National Team.