MAYOR Xu Zongheng emitted a sigh of relief after making a speech in English in Turin on Tuesday. This was reportedly the first time the mayor made a public speech in English. “The reason I chose to speak in English is I want to take the lead to encourage Shenzhen residents learn and use English so as to bring to a higher level the city’s internationalization,” the mayor said.
Xu used every chance to practice his speech before the final presentation: on the flight to Turin, during breaks between events, in the car and after a day’s work. When he finally said: “Thank you for your attention,” the audience applauded loudly. “I still felt a little nervous, but finally fulfilled the task. My courage and strength come from my country and residents in Shenzhen,” Xu said.
Red scarf brings luck
ALL the members of the Shenzhen delegation presenting the city’s bid to host the 26th Summer Universiade appeared in the Royal Opera House in Turin on Tuesday wearing a red scarf.
The color red has always carried the connotation of good luck and auspice in traditional Chinese culture. And the bright red did bring good luck to Shenzhen. When George E. Killian, president of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), announced that Shenzhen will host the 2011 Summer Universiade, the delegation members waved the scarves to their heart’s content and turned the opera house into a red sea of happiness.
Wish from del Piero
A DAY before the host city for the 2011 Summer Universiade was announced, the hotel where the Shenzhen delegation was staying welcomed another group of guests: the famous Juventus soccer team. Just as the Juventus players got off the team bus, they were greeted by cheers and shrieks from fans.
Of the team members, former Italian striker Alessandro del Piero is perhaps the most familiar to Chinese soccer fans. Upon being asked whether he knew Shenzhen was bidding to host the Universiade, del Piero said: “Of course I know.” Then the soccer star voiced his support for Shenzhen’s bid: “I sincerely hope that Shenzhen can win the bid.” Del Piero’s wish finally turned into reality.
Ambassador speaks French
DURING Shenzhen’s closing statement, all the members of the delegation made their speeches in English except for Dong Jinyi, Chinese ambassador to Italy, who spoke French. The decision was made after careful deliberations, according to the ambassador.
The night before all the cities bidding to host the 2011 Summer Universiade made their closing statements, Dong met Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua and other provincial and municipal officials to discuss every single detail of the “decisive battle.” After learning other members of the Shenzhen delegation would make their presentations in English, Dong decided to use French. “Many of the 22 FISU executive members come from French-speaking countries,” Dong said. “By speaking French, we can draw closer to these executive members.”
