Fans and collectors of Olympics-related souvenirs such as coins and stamps have flocked to the 13th World Olympic Collectors Fair which opened in Beijing on Saturday.

Visitors from numerous countries are expected at the six-day fair which showcases more than a century of treasures representing the various stages of the Olympic movement.

Items likely to be shown will include Olympic torches, trophies and athlete suits, as well as pins, coins, stamps and other items bearing the Olympic rings.

It is the first time the fair has been held in China and is free to the public.

In addition, the Chinese Sport Stamps Collectors' Association will simultaneously host an exhibition at the recommendation of the International Olympic Committee.

Olympics-related stamps personally donated by Juan Antonio Samaranch, IOC Honorary President for Life and Chairman of the Olympic Philately, Numismatics and Memorabilia Commission, will be also be shown at the stamp exhibition.

Samaranch is also slated to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Collectors' Fair on June 24.

(CRI via china.org.cn June 24, 2007)