Tonight marks the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a celebration of the competition and camaraderie that will define the coming days.

When you’re watching keep an eye out for the US flag bearer Lomong Lopez. Lopez has a pretty amazing story, he was one of:

the so-called Lost Boys of Sudan, not only was rescued from his Kenyan refugee camp by a U.N. program that sent him to live with a family in upstate New York at age 16, but also qualified for the U.S. team in the 1,500 meters and inspired his Olympic teammates to elect him their flag bearer. [LATIMES]

One issue facing Lomong is his personal connection to Sudan and thus Darfur and China’s perceived human rights violations in that area. He is a member of Team Darfur and wants to bring attention to his former homeland. When his fellow activist Joey Cheek was denied access to China earlier this week, Lomong expressed his disappointment but also his Olympic pride:

I’m disappointed that Joey is not here. He’s supposed to be here. He is an Olympian. I’m here to be an ambassador of a country. I lived in that life before. I didn’t come here for a government. I just hope I’m here to inspire other kids like I was. [LATIMES]

If you watch tonight be sure to keep your eyes out for Lomong and the American flag. He not only stands for us, but for ending the genocide in Darfur.

In that spirit, takepart and visit the Dream for Darfur action center and find out what you can do to make a difference.

Also, while you’re here at TakePart, takepart by heading over to our Darfur Now profile and connect with the issues that were in the film. And while you’re at it, watch the trailer below. And if you want a video to get you in that Olympic spirit - check out the opening ceremony from the 2004 Athens games (also below)

Read on:

• Former ‘Lost Boy’ to lead U.S. Olympians in Beijing
• The U.S.’s Man With the Flag
• Joey Cheek Loses His Visa But Darfur Movement Gains Momentum