On Friday, June 7th, the 40th Chinese American Athletic Tournament (CAAT) held a press conference at the Nanwan Overseas Chinese Educational and Cultural Center.
The press conference was attended by distinguished guests including CAAT Chairman Chen Chaoquan, Director of the Cultural and Educational Center Zhuang Yashu, Convener of the CAAT Opening Ceremony Lu Yuzhen, CAAT Secretary General Chen Siru, Chief Financial Officer Wang Yiqin, Executive Secretary Lai Shuna, Dance Competition Convener Lin GuiXiang, Golf Competition Convener Lin Mengxiong, Folk Sports Convener (Vice Convener of Billiards) Zhao Ming, Shooting Division Convener Hu Zhijing, Volleyball Competition Convener Ren Chenyuan, Track and Field Competition Convener Wang Wanjun, Painting Competition Convener Xie Xiuzhi, Family Fun Competition Convener Kang Yijing, and Bowling Competition Convener Zheng Yingzhong.
Zhuang Yashu expressed her delight at hosting the press conference at the Cultural and Educational Center, emphasizing that CAAT has always been a significant event in the overseas Chinese community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Through CAAT’s sports events, the overseas Chinese community can come together, attracting broad attention from mainstream society and fostering closer connections.
She highlighted that this year marks the 40th anniversary of CAAT’s establishment, a symbolic milestone. Under Chairman Chen Chaoquan’s leadership, this year’s program has set new records. The theme for this year’s CAAT is “Rising Dragon, Splendid Forty,” fully embodying the spirit of CAAT.
During the meeting, Chen Chaoquan expressed his gratitude to the Assistant Executive Director and all colleagues who quietly support CAAT, thanking them for their assistance. This year, he plans to expand CAAT to locations like Los Angeles and New York to raise awareness of the Chinese American Athletic Tournament. He mentioned the plan to pass the torch to New York and hopes future chairpersons will promote it in other Chinese communities like Texas.
He emphasized that the Chinese American Athletic Tournament aims to foster friendships through sports, promote physical fitness, unite overseas Chinese, and enhance the Republic of China’s reputation in America. With serious promotion, significant achievements can be attained. This is his wish, and he looks forward to the gradual realization by the next chairman.
Each convener of the sports events present at the reception introduced the competition’s schedule, shared their experiences, and expressed expectations for the games.
Wang Yiqin mentioned the challenges in organizing the annual CAAT, with preparations ongoing throughout the year. Everyone has put in significant effort, hoping for greater success at this year’s tournament.
Chen Siru stated that this 40th-anniversary edition of the CAAT is grand. From May to August, various sports competitions will take place, with over 500 volunteers supporting them. Participants’ ages range from five or six to over ninety years old.
The CAAT this year began with the North Bay Torchlighting Ceremony on May 19th, followed by a fundraising evening on June 15th and various sports competitions such as softball, bowling, volleyball, badminton, shooting, and basketball in June. Billiards, dance, track and field, celebrity races, children’s painting, folk culture, tennis, family fun, pickleball, and table tennis competitions will take place in July. Wrestling and golf competitions are slated for August.
A total of 24 competition events are scheduled for this year’s CAAT. Billiards, dance, and table tennis competitions have been reinstated this year while pickleball has been added as a new event.
Lu Yuzhen noted the grandeur of this year’s CAAT, anticipating over 1,000 participants in the opening ceremony procession on July 21st. She urged everyone to enthusiastically register for the various competitions at the CAAT.
For team registration and more information on the CAAT Opening Ceremony procession, visit: http://www.tcaat.org.