Olympic Torch Passing Ceremony in San Francisco Re-routed, Chinese Supporters Urged for Peace

By Luke Leung 12 Apr, 2008 15:30 EDT

On Apr. 9, before the beginning of the Olympic Torch Passing Ceremony, crowds of Chinese supporters of the Olympics lifted the China’s flags and Olympic flags and shouted at the Tibetan protesters.

On Apr. 9, during the Torch Passing ceremony, rights activists (right) and China Olympic supporters (left) clashed against one another, where someone tried to grab the other’s sign. (Photo: The Gospel Herald/ Hudson Tsuei)

Because numerous protesters arrived early at the scene of the Olympic Torch Passing Ceremony, San Francisco police department sent out large number of police to maintain order, to prevent any type of conflicts, and to protect the athlete who is carrying the Olympic Torch. (Photo: The Gospel Herald/ Hudson Tsuei)

San Francisco - On Apr. 9, the Olympic Torch arrived in San Francisco, which brought the attention of all the Olympics supporters. Chinese from numerous places aggregated at the starting point and ending points, participating in the ceremony.

The Torch passing ceremony was scheduled for 1 p.m.; however, starting at 7 a.m., large number of supporters, in particular Chinese from the Bay Area, brought and lifted up the Olympic flags and the flag of China in the nearby vicinity. Prior to the beginning of the ceremony, each formed their own dance groups and cheering teams and began their dances and songs.

The Chinese students who are studying abroad gathered people through the internet, where supporters came together from many places. One student expressed that sports is sports, Olympics itself sends out the spirit of peace; Another Chinese student currently studying at a Christian university came to support because he thinks that the Olympic is a movement of peace.

The chairman of the Olympic committee expressed that the Passing of the Torch in numerous places is to call upon the attention of all towards peace, and that is the spirit of the Olympics. Addressing the protests of many human rights organizations and Tibetan activists towards the Torch Passing Ceremony, he emphasized that no matter what happens, the torch passing activity will continue to be held in all places.

The last moment route-change of the Torch Passing disappointed many people.

[Editor's Note: article is contributed by reporter Dorcas Lim in San Francisco.]

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Olympic Torch Passing Ceremony in San Francisco Re-routed, Chinese Supporters Urged for Peace

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.