China News Service, Beijing, January 24 (Reporter Liu Xingchen) Can sports drive cultural integration?
Regarding this proposition, French basketball star and NBA legend Tony Parker recently gave a positive answer.
He said that sports is a good carrier that connects the cultures of various countries.
On the 23rd, NBA Cares’ New Year’s Thanksgiving Season and the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation’s “Vibrant Youth and Celebrating the Year of the Dragon—Youth Cultural and Sports Exchange Activities” were launched at the China Soong Ching Ling Youth Science and Technology Cultural Exchange Center.
During the event, Parker and many young fans experienced folk activities such as making dumplings and cutting window grilles.
After enjoying the traditional Chinese folk music performance full of Chinese New Year flavor, he praised: "The musical instrument performances brought by the children were very shocking and beautiful. I am a person who loves music very much, and it left a deep impression on me."
The picture shows Parker interacting with young fans.
Photo provided by the organizer
The Chinese traditional festival Spring Festival is coming soon. Parker took the opportunity of the event to talk about the positive role of sports in cultural integration: "Sports is a good carrier to connect the cultures of various countries. Sports is a bridge for communication between people. It is closely connected with cultural exchanges."
According to Parker, this is his second visit to China after five years.
In the festive atmosphere, he once again felt the enthusiasm of Chinese fans.
"Every time I come to China to gather with fans is a special experience. I am very happy to celebrate this special festival with so many children." Parker said.
In addition, Parker told China News Network reporters at the event that the current low point of the Chinese men's basketball team is only temporary and needs to be confident about the future.
"The Chinese men's basketball team had Yao Ming and Yi Jianlian before, and there will definitely be more outstanding talents in the future."
It is reported that in 2012, the NBA launched its first New Year celebration event with the theme of the Year of the Dragon.
The NBA Cares New Year Thanksgiving Season is an important part of the New Year series of activities.
NBA Cares will carry out activities such as youth basketball training camps, community basketball games, and rural basketball carnivals to welcome the New Year in each city. At the same time, it will use campus visits to allow young people in schools to get up close and personal with NBA superstars and celebrities. The opportunities for contact encourage them to love basketball and maintain a positive attitude in their daily study and life.
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