US pop act the Backstreet Boys are to promote the Special Olympics during their upcoming China tour later this month.

The newly reunited pop band has decided to donate part of their ticket sales to the Special Olympic Committee.

The band will first perform in Beijing on September 24th, with a follow-up concert in Shanghai on the 26th.

Showbiz insiders predict the tour will earn only half of the amount pop diva Whitney Houston made in a similar China in late July. 

(CRI September 17, 2004)