Beijing Olympics

Beijing Camp!

Karissa Joyce Yip

In less than twenty four hours, the most astounding global event, 2008 Beijing Olympics will end. I remembered noticing a slogan in a MTR station in Hong Kong that writes “One World, One dream”; I remembered walking passed by street decorations of the five Olympic Mascots in Macau; I remembered seeing children in shirts with patriotic messages, and in their hands held a flag of China waving in the wind. Nevertheless, I remembered the whole nation of China had her heart broken for the deaths from the Si Chuan earthquake, but was able to stand up again by the power of unity of her people.

The 2008 Beijing Olympics is not simply another Olympic event that happens every four years. It creates a brand new image for a country that is not only well known for its five thousands years of history but also the continuous hard work and development throughout this time. Moreover, Beijing Olympics enables China to tie a stronger bond with all nations and countries by hosting this wonderful event. As Olympics symbolizes respect and appreciation for all human races despite differences, China , being the biggest nation in the world, holds the best effect in hosting this event as she embraces 1.3 Billion people regardless of diversity of language and culture.

I was gladly granted the opportunity to represent TIS and Macau to be part of the witness of the Beijing Olympics. This camp brought me a new experience to watch an international sport event with the world. Although I can only watch the closing ceremony on the screen, I am grateful to be once part of the 90 thousands people at the Nest Stadium who cheered vigorously for my country. Thunders of applauds remained ringing in my ears, thousands of flashing lights stayed blinking in my eyes, flags of friends from different nations continued waving in the wind. I shall keep all these precious memories of the 2008 Beijing Olympics forever with thankfulness and the pride in my country.

2008 Beijing Olympics Summer Camp

Jenny Chan

The 2008 Beijing Olympics Summer Camp was an extremely memorable trip that provided me an unforgettable experience. The moment I stepped into the famous capital, Beijing , I realized that it was nothing like what I had imagined it to be- I was practically blown away. The people were amazingly friendly, the surrounding environment was refreshing, and the city was extremely organized. I was exposed to an incredibly exciting schedule, in which the activities were different everyday. I was able to visit all the famous destinations that I had heard of before, but was never able to go there myself. The tour guides and teachers taught me so much about my ancestor's history and their culture, which I truly believe was something that I would have never been able to learn in a classroom. Witnessing both the volleyball and athletic Olympic events was an enormous privilege that I appreciate so much. The adrenalin that I felt in the venues was just overwhelming; it's a sensation that could not be felt, besides witnessing it personally. At each stadium, thousands and thousands of different people from all over the world had gathered together for one particular purpose- to see athletes perform at their best. The Beijing Olympic Games was a true representation of our Chinese unity. Everything that was presented to the public was exceptionally organized to the point where there wasn't a single flaw. The enormous amount of human power and time that was dedicated to perfect these games is just incredible. China really showed the world what it was really made up of, therefore, shattering all the negative criticism that it was faced with. However, I am mostly grateful for positive bonds that I was able to make with my peers, teachers, and the staff. The trip allowed me to meet and interact with all types of people, which I had truly enjoyed. 2008 was an exceedingly remarkable year for me, as it allowed me to understand why I should be a proud Chinese citizen.

2008 Beijing Olympic Trip

After-Feelings

Olympic Game has always been an important and world's historical event; it brings countries from all around the world to one centre and compete in a peaceful and respectful manner. Olympic Game is held every four years and each occurs at a different city, allowing the country which the city is in to get the golden chance to benefit from organizing this major global event. Over a hundred year, Olympics Game has been held in cities from the United States , Australia , England , Greece , Italy , Mexico , Europe; but never did it occur in China . Finally, in this 2008 Olympic Game, it is held in China , Beijing . As a proud Chinese, I couldn't be more thrilled to be able to participate and witness this phenomenal event. All I could think about this trip to Beijing was how exciting it will be to personally witnessing the sport events, and who would care about anything else we do; but I was wrong.

The moment of being in Beijing , I was wrong already. The stereotypical image of mainland china popped in, causing me to think that Beijing will be just as dirty, crowded, and extremely polluted; but I was absolutely wrong. Beijing was clean and not as polluted as I've imagined and the streets are wide and not people-packed crowded. The whole trip was definitely more than just going to the Nest and watching some Olympic sports event, it is so much more than that. I remember how hard it is to mold a piece of clay into a fine pottery, I remember how fascinating the Beijing National Museum is, I remember visiting magnificent architects like the Forbidden City and the Old Hu-Tong, I remember how exhausting it is to climb up the Great Wall of China, and I definitely remember how crazy it was to squeeze through desperate people, in order to get purchase some souvenirs home. Every one of these happenings that I remember experiencing in this trip taught me that it worth just as much as witnessing a world-event like Olympic Games; proofing how wrong I was before experiencing the entire trip.

In this trip to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, I received the chance to watch some of the Olympic sport events, personally experience the thrill of the event, visit some of the most famous places in the world, opportunities to do something I've never tried before, and most importantly, met different people from Beijing and Macau . For all these chances and experiences, I am so grateful to the Macau government and to my school (TIS). This trip have definitely taught me a lot more than I've expected and let me experience so much more than I normally can.

Beijing – Excitement, Chances, the Olympic Spirit

By: Gary , Cai JiYuan, The International School Of Macao

I almost screamed when my name was called. There are no better words than mere satisfaction and excitement to describe my feeling when I found out that I was going to Beijing . With this camp, I saw it not only as a fantastic event to have fun and relax, but also an opportunity to learn, to communicate and improve as an individual.

Beijing is inevitably one of the busiest cities in the world and a potential world centre. To be able to visit such city in such special time will for sure open new doors for us in our future life. Historical landmarks such as the Forbidden Palace and the Great Wall presented the perseverance of the Chinese over time. Phenomenal modern architectures such as the Bird Nest National Stadium and Water Cube will allowed me to be surrounded by the aura of science and technology. Seeing masters of sport compete with each other while being surrounded by crowds encouraged sportsmanship amongst everyone including myself. Furthermore, the kindnesses of the Beijing citizens enclosed us in an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship. These will undeniably change the way we think, how we are and shape what we will grow up to be in the distant future.

Filled with students all over Macau and Hong Kong taking part in this program. The camp was certainly a great place to meet new people. Although we're from different places, but we all speak the same language, have the same nationality, communication surely linked us, and for sure allows us to acquire new knowledge, receive new viewpoints and make new friends.

Last but not least, this camp allowed us to feel the Olympic Spirit. The spirit, which eliminates all selfishness and discrimination in competition so that we may all unite in one world one dream. The spirits, which shall motivate us to all, strive for faster, higher, stronger.

The gorgeous city of Beijing is the capital of China , and the spotlight of our entire planet. Under such environment everyone had a fantastic time full of joy, happiness, and opportunities. Despite the Olympic games are over, but the spirit and experience will inevitably remain in all of us for eternity.

“Imagine there's no heaven
It's easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today...”

Whenever I hear the word ‘Olympics', this is the scene I picture in my mind. I heard this old song when I was just a little boy – when my father listened to this song once in a while with the cassette player. Although I didn't understand the meaning of the lyrics at that time, I liked the melody – so warm and peaceful. When time passed and I grew up bit by bit, my curiosity had driven me to find out the meaning of the song as well as the intention of the author.

The message from John Lennon's “ Imagine ” is simple - a world as one, harmonious and filled with happiness – however, it is ‘difficult' at the same time. To some people, the idea of ‘one world' seems impossible to be achieved. Perhaps, it is just a fantasy of some dreamers. Sometimes, I feel hopeless. It seems to me that the world is probably far more ‘negative' than what I was told and what I saw. Nevertheless, I always try to look for the good side of the world and to appreciate it because I begin to understand that being ‘negative' doesn't change the world into something better.

It is not simply a coincidence that ‘Olympics' reminds me of ‘ Imagine '. I find an interesting link between them. The Olympic emblem, which is composed of five interlocking rings, represents the five continents of the world. This is a time when people from different parts of the world come together and show their dreams and dedication towards this competition. Can you i magine how all the people are, living for ‘ today '?

I believe that the Olympic Games is and will still be the every step leading us closer and closer to a unity of the identities within the world: what it means to be what we are. I am delighted to be granted this precious opportunity of experiencing this meaningful event. As a representative of TIS and Macau for this significant event, I also have a dream. I truly wish all the Games in the future can be held successfully – with the legendary flame of justice and the same smile on everyone's face.

“Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
you may say I am a dreamer
But I'm not the only one
I hope someday you'll join us
And the world will be as one.”