The 41st Golden Mountain Bay Area Chinese Sports Conference Torch Lighting Ceremony was held in a grand manner at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Educational Center on the morning of June 7th (last Saturday), attracting hundreds of overseas Chinese and mainstream political figures to gather.
The ceremony started at 11 a.m. that day with a solemn flag-raising ceremony. The Air Force Da-Peng Friendship Association flag team escorted the flags of the United States and the Republic of China into the venue, followed by Boy Scout Troop 468 raising the two national flags in sequence amidst the national anthem, creating a dignified and solemn atmosphere.
Chen Ligong, the chairman of the Chinese Sports Committee, stated that the torch lighting ceremony was a warm-up for the upcoming Chinese Sports Conference opening ceremony. The Chinese Sports Conference upholds the aim of promoting a healthy lifestyle advocated by the government, fostering a culture of exercise, encouraging overseas Chinese to engage in more sports, stay healthy, be happy, and improve their quality of life. It also aims to showcase the vitality of Chinese culture through friendly competition and interaction in the competition, seeking more attention and support from the mainstream society. He expressed special thanks to Fashion City Chairman Daisy Hu for sponsoring the “Attack on Titan” chocolate protein drink multiple times to support overseas Chinese activities.
Lai Mingqi, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, stated that this was his last participation in the South Bay Torch Lighting Ceremony during his tenure, expressing gratitude for the hard work in organizing the sports event of the Chinese Sports Conference over the years. He mentioned that the Chinese Sports Conference continues to innovate every year, continuously adding new competition events, and its influence is expanding. Regardless of who will succeed him as director in the future, the office will continue to support the Chinese Sports Conference as always, hoping that the activities will be more magnificent and successful each year.
Zhuang Yashu, Director of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center, said in her speech that the passing of the torch of the Chinese Sports Conference from the North Bay to the South Bay symbolizes the spirit of the Chinese Sports Conference spreading throughout the Bay Area. Through various events, the Chinese Sports Conference consolidates the cohesion of overseas Chinese communities and helps the mainstream community understand Taiwanese culture and the contributions of overseas Chinese. She emphasized that under the efforts of Chairman Chen Ligong, past chairpersons, and volunteers, this year’s event planning is rich, aiming to pass on the spirit of freedom, democracy, and peace of Taiwan to the mainstream society.
With the lively drumbeat of the FASCA lion dance troupe, the torch lighting ceremony officially began. Lu Yuzhen, the executive consultant of the Chinese Sports Conference, led guests and the public to circle the Overseas Chinese Educational Center holding torches, symbolizing the passing of the torch and the continuity of spirit.
Many distinguished guests were present, including Mayors Liang Chao of Cupertino, Raj Salwan of Fremont, Councilman William Lam of Milpitas, Councilman Dr. Yang Shao of Fremont, and Stanley Kou, a member of the Fremont Unified High School District Board of Education, all personally attended the event. Overseas Affairs Commissioners Wei Dezhen, Lin Zhengyuan, Chen Yangming, Liu Lingxia, Li Yuanlin, Zhang Zhengbang, Zhou Dachang, Secretary-General of the Zhaoqing Council Hall, President Deng Zhuozhao of the Dabu Tongyuan Association, and Honorary President Lin Guixiang of the World Taiwanese Business Association also attended.
Furthermore, Mayor Liang Chao and Mayor Salwan respectively presented congratulatory letters on behalf of their cities, while the congratulatory message from Otto Lee, a councilman of Santa Clara County, was read out by the emcee.
The event also featured a variety of performances on the day, including the American California Line Dance Association, Feather Dance Group, Gratitude and Praise Exercise, FASCA, Dance Enthusiasts, 120-degree Dance Class, and Yuanji Dance Troupe taking the stage one after another, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.
Established in 1985, the Golden Mountain Bay Area Chinese Sports Conference is one of the largest overseas Chinese sports events. The conference has been held every year except in 2020 due to the pandemic, becoming an important platform for showcasing the excellence of the Chinese community in the Bay Area. ◇