Athletes from the Chinese mainland gathered in the Macao Special Administrative Region for a vibrant gala on Sunday night, marking the second day of their three-day visit. The event, themed \"Our Pride,\" was divided into three inspiring segments: \"Surpass Your Dream,\" \"Break the Limit,\" and \"Build Your Future Dream.\"
The gala featured dynamic performances and heartfelt stories from Olympians, highlighting their journeys and the pride they bring to their country.
Pan Zhanle, a gold medalist swimmer from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, expressed his gratitude, saying, \"I wasn't fighting alone because our great country had my back. My gold medal is a gift to our country.\"
Chinese women's hockey player Li Hong shared a memorable moment from the Olympics, stating, \"We finished the final with a draw in regular time. Though we lost in the penalty shootout, we received applause from the opponents' supporters when we traveled around the stadium wearing the Chinese national flags. That's when I realized that we had gained respect after displaying the spirit of Chinese athletes.\"
Champion paddler Sun Yingsha emphasized the importance of teamwork, noting, \"I think the mixed doubles event requires good coordination and communication. We needed to adapt ourselves quickly to the changes in every game. I was happy that me and Wang Chuqin could win the event in Paris. I want to thank you for your support.\"
Ma Long, captain of the Chinese table tennis team, highlighted the relaxing moments shared during the trip, saying, \"Eating good food in Macao helped a lot to release my pressure.\" He also recommended pineapple buns to visitors.
The gala was not only about performances and speeches. It also featured engaging activities, such as paddlers and shuttlers using each other's gear to compete in a fun contest of hitting cups on the table. Additionally, table tennis players showcased their skills by playing on a randomly moving table, adding a playful twist to the evening.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com