The 2008 Canberra Olympic Torch Relay

The 2008 Canberra Olympic Torch Relay On April the 23rd, 2008, the and the Australian Chinese Performing Artist’s Association (ACPAA) organized a 950-man welcoming party for the Olympic flame under the stars in Canberra. Despite the cold night and fatigue from the long-distance traveled throughout the day, everyone was able to participate in the welcoming of the Olympic flame to Canberra.

A long held dream by the Chinese community living abroad in Australia of seeing the olympic torch on its journey to Beijing was finally fulfilled this night upon seeing the Olympic torch delivered to Canberra, inspiring pride in all whom attended! A few hours later at 8:30pm (Beijing Time), the Beijing Olympic torch was about to begin it’s journey through Canberra, still having 15 stops left to pass through. The tens of thousands of Chinese who arrived from all over Australia (from Sydney, Melbourne and Queensland) cheered with a strong sense of patriotism inspired by the sight of the olympic torch. Patriotism.

The weight of this word is perhaps only understood on a greater level by those who have traveled away from their home. I believe this feeling of patriotism has been spurred in our hearts individually, and with no provocation. Because we live away from our home, the feeling of patriotism is magnified, which makes us all the more proud. We all share this feeling of love and support for our home, China, and support Beijing’s hosting of the Olympic Games.  These feelings of patriotism truly reveal one’s feelings. Many Chinese have paid close attention to the torch, passing it on through places like Europe, carrying with it a certain atmosphere. I thought if the torch came to Australia, I too would personally protect the it, as it cannot be subject to unfair treatment or harm’s way. Of the Olympic torch relay’s first 15 stations, two were the young Canberra and Oceania Garden City. Located on the shore of Lake Griffin, Oceania Garden City is surrounded by forest, both an elegant and delicate beauty of the city, and now, because of the arrival of the flame it becomes more alive.

The hotels are overcrowded and people cannot find a place to sleep - children have been sitting around until the morning to see the torch" But despite this, the Chinese community did not forget to bring massive banners with the five-star red flag of China. Although sleeping in Canberra is particularly cold night, nothing can disrupt the feeling seeing everyone continually cheering, showing a heart warming sense of patriotism. We have come together, all with one sentence on our hearts: China - I love you!