Sports improve understanding between nations

Sports can enhance understanding and collaboration between Chinese and Americans, and has given people a better understanding of other cultures and built up friendships by participating in and competing at the Olympics, said athletes, coaches, organizing committee members and sports enthusiasts at a recent event.

On Tuesday, an American and Chinese Sports Forum was held at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, the venue used for the opening ceremony of the 1984 Summer Olympics, and which will be adopted for the track and field competition and the opening ceremony for the 2028 Summer Olympics.

It drew hundreds of industry insiders and the sports community to share ideas and thoughts through panel discussions about how sports can play a more important role in strengthening communications between China and the United States.

Speakers included Olympic champions, medalists and seasoned athletes including four-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer John Naber, former Chinese national diving team member Li Hongping, and former member of the Chinese women's volleyball team Li Yueming, who is a two-time Olympian and a bronze medalist at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.

"It's of great significance for us to have meaningful discussions here in Los Angeles, the host city for both Olympics," said Li Hua, president of the American Chinese Athletes Association, the organizer of the event.

A professional athlete, Li was on China's national beach volleyball team and won a gold medal at the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand. "By reflecting on the past, we can draw lessons, accumulate experiences and apply them to future practice," Li added.

David Simon, vice-president of the World Union of Olympic Cities who served on the organizing committee for the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, agreed. He recalled many detailed arrangements, logistics and overall planning for one of the "landmark events in sports history".

China was a very important part of the 1984 Olympics, said Simon, adding the event was more successful and competitive because China attended. "They were very warmly welcomed. Their participation meant a great deal to the organizing committee here," he said.

Peter Gao, one of the founding members of the ACAA, called China's participation in the 1984 Olympics "a defining moment in the history of China's sports. China sent a delegation of 250 athletes to Los Angeles, who would compete against international peers at 105 events in 19 sports between July 28 and Aug 12. In 1984, a few years after China's launch of the reform and opening-up policy, the West remained very curious about what a new China looked like, said Gao.

When the Chinese athletes lined up and walked into the stadium at the opening ceremony, "they represented the vigorous and promising People's Republic of China, and of course caught the attention of the world," said Gao.

On the afternoon of July 29, 1984, the 25-year-old Chinese shooter Xu Haifeng made history by winning the 50-meter free pistol event, pocketing the first gold medal at that Olympics, which was also the first championship for China.

In the following days, China harvested 14 more golds, eight silver and nine bronze medals with gymnast Li Ning, fencer Luan Jujie and the Chinese female volleyball team rising into the international spotlight as China's national heroes.

"China finished fourth in 1984, a great milestone and achievement that lifted the national morale and spirit," said Li Hua. "It also symbolizes the beginning of China's transformation into a strong player in the international sports community."

Looking ahead, the Olympics means all members need to respect each other, collaborate, stick to team spirit and seek common ground when dealing with differences, said Li Li, vice-chairman of MEBO Group. She learned the Olympic spirit firsthand in June when she flew to Cannes, France to relay the Paris Olympics torch. "On a team of eight, we have to act as an entire group in order to hit the target and accomplish our tasks on time," Li said. "I am ready to join another torch relay for our 2028 Olympics here in Los Angeles."

Chai Yun, cultural consul from the Chinese Consulate General in Los Angeles, said the forum induced stronger enthusiasm and support from sports circles in China and the United States. "The organizers unite all forces to work together. That will ultimately benefit the development of the sports industry in both countries, and benefit bilateral collaborations and our athletes," he said.