OPINION> Commentary
Sporting spirit getting better
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-08-14 08:18

Chinese Olympics spectators seem to have learned how to enjoy the Games rather than to only focus on the gold as they did in the past, says an article in Yangtze Evening News. The following is an excerpt:

A survey conducted by CCTV in recent days found that the number of Chinese people who are concerned about the competitions are much bigger than the number of those who only care about medalists.

When IOC President Jacques Rogge was asked for his advice for the Olympics, he suggested Chinese people enjoy the Games. And now his advice seems to have been followed across stadiums.

When China returned to the Olympic family in 1984 every one was eager for gold medals so that this country can regain respect. Today, while the Chinese are even more desirous for gold as the Games' hosts, they may encourage and cheer for every one to be the winner. Furthermore, the Chinese have learned to extend both congratulations to the winners for their success and appreciation to the losers for their participation.

So if more people can relax themselves and enjoy the game, we can thereby make competitors feel more at ease.

According to an experiment, athletes who were praised can do much better than sportsmen who were criticized, and those receiving neither praise nor critique may do the worst.

And there is every reason to believe that the Chinese people will keep giving their encouragement as well as hospitality to all the athletes.

(China Daily 08/14/2008 page10)