Breaking down borders in spirit of unity

‘Asian Games For All’ campaign wraps up after engaging public and media in wide outreach

The “Asian Games for All” campaign to enable the 19th Asiad to engage the public beyond host city Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the country of China, and the wider continent took center stage as the curtain came down on the program at the Main Media Center on Sept 22.

The campaign, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, consisted of three events — namely, the Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run, the Asian Games Youth Reporter Project, and the Hangzhou Asian Games Children’s Art Competition.

Media personnel who joined the Fun Run activity participated in traditional Chinese exercises such as baduanjin and tai chi.

Rafeq Mohammed, an Australian photographer for AlIraqia newspaper who joins weekly tai chi classes near his home in Sydney, tried baduanjin for the first time during the Fun Run.

“Tai chi has made me more patient,” he said.

“(Baduanjin) is amazing. It makes me feel powerful, relaxes me, and enhances my mental strength. During the practice, I also acquired discipline.”

Chinese University of Hong Kong junior Leung Nga Wing was honored to have been selected as a Youth Reporter Project representative. The 20-year-old translation major had previously participated in a sports reporting workshop and performed impressively enough to be sent to the Games in Hangzhou.

“It’s my first time visiting Hangzhou and to participate in such a comprehensive event,” she said.

“It’s a tremendous honor for me as a university student to have access to the media center, where I can observe how journalists work, and later get to witness the competitions.”

OCA’s honorary life vice-president Wei Jizhong said, “I feel that the widespread participation in the promotional campaign indicates the high expectations and support from our Asian community for the Hangzhou Asian Games. I believe your expectations will definitely come true.”