Let the Games begin…

A lucky Visa cardholder issued by Greater Building Society will be jetting off to Beijing on August 7 to cheer on the Aussies at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, thanks to Visa.

Jason Hodge from Telarah has won a special package for two people to experience first hand the action and excitement of the world's biggest sporting event through Visa's “Win a Trip a Day” promotion.

Mr Hodge is taking his sister Wendy (from Wagga Wagga) with him on his first ever trip overseas. They will be among a contingent of 3,500 Visa cardholders and their partners from Asia Pacific – equivalent to 16 jumbo jet loads – who will have the opportunity to cheer on their country and athletes in person.

The dream holiday includes return flights to Beijing, three nights' accommodation, tickets to two Olympic Games events and tours to the historic Forbidden City and Great Wall of China. The Greater is also giving Mr Hodge $500 towards the trip.

Mr Hodge said he was “blown away” when he heard of his win. He has never won a major competition.

A sports fan, Mr Hodge thought he would be watching The Games on TV.

“I'm getting really excited but I don't think the fact that I'm going to the Olympic Games will sink in untl I get on the plane,” Mr Hodge said.

“China is a place I thought I would only ever see in pictures,” he said.

The Games will kick off on 8 August 2008 with a spectacular Opening Ceremony. Some 4,700 athletes from more than 200 countries around the world will compete against the best in their sport.

Visa has been a proud worldwide partner of the Olympic Games since 1986 and is the only card accepted at Olympic Games venues.