NBA All-Star center Yao Ming, the China's most recognizable athlete, has led a donation pool from Chinese sports field. He has donated 2,280,000 U.S. dollars and filmed public service television announcements through the Red Cross for the relief efforts.

"It is hard to describe my feelings following such a deadly disaster, and all my concern will be focused on the flattened schools in Sichuan's quake," Yao said.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also joined in the solidarity, with its flag raised at half-mast at its headquarters in Switzerland's Lausanne and giving out one million U.S. dollars for relief efforts.

"We send our deepest felt condolences for the victims. The Olympic Movement is at your side, especially during these difficult moments. Our thoughts are with you," said IOC chief Jacques Rogge.

The quake, unfortunately, is not the only difficult moment in the Olympic year.

Since January, China has endured paralyzing snow storms and a troubled world tour of the Olympic torch.

But devastations or disruptions, which have taken off much of the country's festive mood towards the Games, will in no way take away China's enthusiasm for hosting the Beijing Games.

Widely regarded as a symbol of national confidence and pride, the Olympic torch relay was passed in China without a glitch and reached the top of Mt. Qomolongma on May 8.

People lined the torch relay routes, unfurling the national and Olympic flags and shouting "Go China Go" and "Go Olympics Go."

"The Olympic torch relay not only passes the Olympic spirit of unity, peace and friendship, but also China's national spirit of pulling together in times of difficulty," badminton player Chen Hong said after a torch relay in southeastern China's Fujian Province.

Ma Yuanjiang, who was rescued after being buried in the rubble for seven days, was invited to watch the torch relay in southwestern China's Chongqing municipality.

"I really appreciate the care and love shown by everyone," he said. "The enthusiasm during the torch relay demonstrates the national spirit and proves the Chinese people can overcome all difficulties," he added.

Feeling the breath of the Olympics, the organizers have been working on fine-tuning the Games.

Beijing subway passengers have been receiving security checks starting from June 29 as China beefs up security.

National-level anti-terrorist drills were launched to prepare the security forces against chemical attacks, hijacking and other possible contingencies. Sniffer dogs will be brought into the capital to help detect explosives.

Beginning from June, the country's postal service has suspended mailing parcels containing liquids until October 31, following a previous liquid ban introduced in April on carry-on baggage in domestic flights.

Pollution is another concern which the city has to deal with seriously. The IOC has warned it may reschedule endurance events to remove a potential health risk.