The 42nd Golden Mountain Bay Area Chinese Sports Congress torch lighting and relay ceremony was held last Saturday (June 6) at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, marking the official start of this year’s Chinese Sports Congress.
The event was attended by Chairman Chen Ligong of the Chinese Sports Congress, Wu Zhixiang and his wife Liu Ruoyin, Director Zhuang Yashu of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioners Wei Dezhen, Li Yuanlin, Zhang Zhengbang, and Yu Jianquan, as well as Zhu Mingzhan, the director of the Chinese General Association. Santa Clara County Councilor Li Zhouxiao, Cupertino Vice Mayor Zhao Liangfang, Fremont Councilors Shao Yang and Huang Jieyi, and Milpitas Councilor William Lam were also present to show their support and present commendations.
The ceremony began with the flag guard of the Air Force Dapeng Association, followed by the raising of the American and Republic of China flags. There was also a drum team performing on-site, using thunderous drumbeats to convey the spirit of the torch; the Overseas Youth Cultural Ambassadors Association Lion Dance Troupe also delivered an exciting performance. Finally, the honored guests carried the torch around the Overseas Chinese Education Center, completing the torch lighting and relay ceremony.
Chen Ligong gave a speech, stating that the torch lighting symbolizes the official start of the Chinese Sports Congress and serves as a warm-up for the opening ceremony on July 19. He sincerely invited compatriots to actively participate and join in the festivities.
He mentioned that the Chinese Sports Congress has upheld the spirit of promoting sports for all over the years, leading the sports culture in the bay area Chinese community, achieving the goal of “more sports, more health, more happiness”; through sports, it united the overseas Chinese community and helped more mainstream society understand and support the Republic of China Taiwan. He also thanked all sponsors, volunteer partners, and members of the community for their support and dedication.
Wu Zhixiang expressed his pleasure in attending the torch lighting and relay ceremony of the Chinese Sports Congress. He emphasized that the significance of the Chinese Sports Congress is not just about who can run the fastest or jump the highest, but rather about hoping everyone continues to participate every year, passing down the spirit of sports and community unity through generations. He pointed out that the torch symbolizes the cohesion of the Chinese community and represents a connection with mainstream society, allowing more people to see Taiwan and understand Chinese culture.
Zhuang Yashu mentioned that the Chinese Sports Congress torch, lit on April 18 in the North Bay and relayed to the South Bay, symbolizes the unity of the bay area Chinese community, bringing together compatriots of different ages and fields through sports events. She pointed out that the torch relay signifies three things: it signifies the official start of this year’s Chinese Sports Congress events, symbolizes freedom, democracy, and human rights, showcasing the core values upheld by the Taiwan overseas Chinese community. Lastly, it promotes exchanges between the overseas Chinese community and the mainstream community, conveying the spirit of support for community development and shared prosperity. She thanked the Chinese Sports Congress team and all volunteers for their continued promotion of the spirit of the Chinese Sports Congress, on behalf of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission and the Overseas Chinese Education Center.
Lü Yuzhen, an executive consultant of the Chinese Sports Congress, stated to Dajiyuan that there used to be fewer large-scale events in the bay area Chinese community early on, but over the years, the Chinese Sports Congress has gathered compatriots through various sports competitions and activities, gradually developing into an important event in the bay area overseas Chinese community.
She mentioned that the Chinese Sports Congress attracts nearly ten thousand participants each year, showcasing the vitality and unity of the bay area overseas Chinese community. This year’s Chinese Sports Congress features 32 events, including golf, tug of war, running, traditional music, and more, catering to children, adults, and the elderly with suitable activities to participate in.
After the ceremony concluded, Chen Ligong expressed special thanks to Fashion City Chairman Hu Yongling for sponsoring “Fu Hang Soymilk” and VIP gifts to support the torch lighting and relay ceremony of this year’s Chinese Sports Congress.