'Asian Games for All' echoes beyond borders

The "Asian Games for All" campaign to enable the 19th Asiad to engage the public beyond Hangzhou city, Zhejiang province, the country of China and the wider continent took center stage as the curtain came down on the program at the Main Media Center on Sept 22.

The campaign, organized by the Olympic Council of Asia, consisted of three events — namely, the Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run, Asian Games Youth Reporter Project and Hangzhou Asian Games Children's Art Competition.

Media personnel who joined the Fun Run activity participated in such traditional Chinese exercises as baduanjin and tai chi.

Australian photographer for Al-Iraqia newspaper, Rafeq Mohammed, joins weekly tai chi classes near his home in Sydney and tried baduanjin for the first time during the Fun Run.

"Tai chi has made me more patient," he said.

"(Baduanjin) is amazing. It makes me feel powerful, relaxes me and enhances my mental strength. During the practice, I also acquired discipline."

Chinese University of Hong Kong junior Leung Nga Wing was honored to have been selected as a Youth Reporter Project representative. The 20-year-old translation major had previously participated in a sports reporting workshop and performed impressively enough to be sent to the Games in Hangzhou.

"It's my first visiting Hangzhou and to participate in such a comprehensive event," she said.

"It's a tremendous honor for me as a university student to have access to the media center, where I can observe how journalists work, and later get to witness the competitions."

Wei Jizhong, honorary life vice-president of the OCA, said, "I feel that the widespread participation in the promotional campaign indicates the high expectations and support from our Asian community for the Hangzhou Asian Games. I believe your expectations will definitely come true."