Special report: Reconstruction After Earthquake

Luo Xuejuan(R), Olympic gold medal winner and the first Chinese bearer of the 2008 global Olympic torch relay, hands over her torch to Cheng Siwei, chairman of the China Siyuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation in Beijing, June 7, 2008. Luo donated her torch to the fundation dedicated to rebuilding areas ravaged by the May 12 earthquake.(Xinhua Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Olympic champion swimmer Luo Xuejuan is named goodwill ambassador for a foundation which is aimed to support the China's post-quake reconstruction on Saturday.

    Luo, also the first Chinese bearer of the 2008 Olympic torch relay, said it was of great importance to help quake-hit people for as long as possible.

    The foundation is set up by the China Siyuan Foundation for Poverty Alleviation in Beijing. It is said that for each project 50,000 yuan (about 7,246 U.S. dollars) and some five career counsellors would be provided for women in the quake zone and other poor areas for career development.

    Cheng Siwei, president of the foundation, said, the project no only provided money, most importantly, it helped the poor people in terms of technology, education and management.

    As of Saturday noon, the death toll in China's major earthquake increased by 4 overnight to 69,134, the State Council Information Office said.