The Chinese Students and Scholars Association is rallying students to support the 2008 summer games in Beijing, hoping to show a “different side” of China than protests around the Olympic Torch relay.
“Although you cannot really put aside political issues, the most important spirit of the Olympics is the sports, excellence and coming together,” CSSA President and computer science graduate student Di Lin said while talking to students Friday in Free Speech Alley. “Our country is looking forward to hosting the Olympic games, and we are proud to do so.”
Di said more than 500 students have signed a cloth banner showing their support for the Olympic games. The banner will be displayed in Beijing during the opening ceremonies, Di said.
The group is hoping to share its perspective of China with students, said CSSA member and business graduate student Yun Huang. The group displayed information about China’s economy, culture and traditions.
“We see a lot of Western people get information from biased media reports,” Yun said. “We want them to understand what we’re really like, and as Chinese students, we have a responsibility to do so.”
While protesters have followed the torch relay across the United States opposing China’s human rights’ record, primarily with Tibet, Yun said it is important for students to put aside their feelings about the Chinese government and come together with nations around the world to support the Olympic games.
“We’re just asking students to sign their name and support the Olympics,” Yun said. “It’s just a game we’re asking them to support.”
Yun said students like himself who are from China can share a unique perspective of what his home nation is really like with University students who have not had the opportunity to visit China. Yun said he hopes students will research China and consider visiting the nation.
—-Contact Nicholas Persac at [email protected]