Lenovo has launched the first of three online auctions taking place in the United States as part of its global online Olympic philanthropic auction counting down to the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Just as the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay will travel around the world, a new Lenovo auction is beginning each week in a different country counting down to the Olympic Games. The auction features limited-edition, notebook PCs inspired by the Lenovo-designed Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch. The notebooks also feature the autographs of beach volleyball Olympic gold medalists Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh.

A notebook PC will be available for bidding online over the next week, with the remaining two auctions in the U.S. to begin on July 8 and July 29. All of the proceeds from the auction will be distributed through the Lenovo Hope Fund to select philanthropies, including Right to Play.

"We are thrilled to offer fans the unique opportunity to own these one-of-a-kind Olympic torch themed notebook PCs," said Deepak Advani, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, Lenovo, in a press statement. "Just as our technology helps bridge the physical gaps among different parts of the world, Lenovo's goal is to do the same through social investments. In the Olympic spirit of internationalism and cooperation, it is fitting that these Olympic torch-themed notebook PCs should benefit worthy causes."