The 41st Golden Mountain Bay Area Chinese Athletic Conference was held a fundraising event at the Nanshan Qiao Education Center on the evening of May 3rd (last Saturday). The event attracted more than three hundred overseas Chinese to attend enthusiastically, with a warm atmosphere and fruitful fundraising results, marking the successful conclusion of the event.
The evening’s performances were diverse and exciting, including the Friends of Special Children Association, San Jose International Elite Association, dancers, 120 classes of hot dances, Feathers in the Wind, and the American California Line Dance Association, each presenting lively performances. The humorous commentary by the host, He Taiguang, set a joyful tone for the evening.
During the fundraising and singing segment, Mrs. Yun Wenzhen, the wife of the Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, sang “Lonely Star” and “Not Just in This World” first, followed by heartfelt duets of “Myth” by Director Zhuang Yashu and Chinese Athletic Association Chairman Chen Ligong, and a rendition of “Watch the Sunrise with Me” by Advisory Committee Member Lü Yuzhen. The Honorary President of the World Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce, Lin Gui Xiang, then performed “Song of Love” and “Missing Taiwan” with a melodious voice that moved the entire audience. After each performance, the audience came up to the stage to offer flowers and donations in support.
Chairman Chen Ligong, in his speech, expressed gratitude for the continuous growth and vitality of the Bay Area Chinese Athletic Conference after 41 years, despite the challenges of the 4-year COVID-19 pandemic. He especially thanked Director Lai and his team from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco for their longstanding support and participation in the competition, as well as Director Zhuang and her team from the Qiao Education Center, and various overseas Chinese leaders and corporations for their continued support. He emphasized that the success of the Athletic Association comes from the selfless dedication of every volunteer, and pledged to continue to pass on the spirit of the Athletic Association in the future.
Director Lai humorously mentioned that this would be his last time attending the Athletic Association fundraising event during his tenure and rushed back from Nevada to accompany his wife in the Bay Area. Although he joked about lacking singing or dancing skills or the opportunity to perform his practiced sword-swallowing and fire-spitting tricks, he thanked the efforts and cohesion of the Athletic Association, urging everyone to continue supporting the Association with familial affection. He also announced his plan to return to Taiwan on June 20 and step down from his position as director.
Director Zhuang Yashu expressed sadness upon hearing of Director Lai’s imminent departure and humorously invited him to perform sword-swallowing and fire-spitting at the farewell party at the Qiao Education Center on June 6. She expressed gratitude for the Athletic Association’s years of community building and promotion of community events, making the mainstream society see the Taiwanese community, and called for support for Chairman Chen Ligong to carry on the spirit of the Athletic Association for future generations.
Director Zhuang jokingly told Dajiyuan that despite her lack of musical talent, she was moved by the selfless dedication of Athletic Association volunteers and predecessors, and gladly joined the ensemble at the invitation of the Chairman, merrily stating, “Chairman Ligong’s singing is very good!”
Li Hanwen, a member of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Advisory Committee and the Chairwoman of the Sister County Committee of San Sheng County in North California and Xin Zhu County, told Dajiyuan that she generously donates to support the Athletic Association every year, especially highlighting the importance of the director’s wife’s charity performance. She emphasized that the Athletic Association not only unites overseas Chinese but also supports the Republic of China (Taiwan).
Huang Wenzhi, who ran for City Councilor in the United City for the first time, participated in an event at the Nanshan Qiao Society. She said the Athletic Association brought together Chinese people from different backgrounds, which was more valuable after the pandemic. She urged more people to step up and speak up for the Chinese community in the Bay Area to maintain community connections.
That evening, Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee members Wei Dezhen, Li Yuanlin, and Liu Lingxia, along with Advisory Committee members Lai Jiyu, Zheng Guangzhi, Li Wenxiong, overseas Chinese community leaders Paul Tsai and Annie Tsai, Yang Kunshan, Ma Qianjun, and Guo Huizhen, head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, attended the event, adding luster to the evening. The final lucky draw event, hosted by Tang Xiaoxian, offered prizes including EVA and China Airlines tickets, cash red envelopes, exquisite gifts, and Taiwan Sugar Orchids, concluding the evening with a perfect end.