Running the Special Olympics Torch In CHina

Running the Special Olympics Torch In CHina
Jun 29, 2007 16:12
RUNNER Points: Join Date: Jun 29, 2007 Status: offline	HI, I'm going to make my first visit to China in September. Here's the deal. China is hosting the World Special Olympics Summer Games ( not to be confused with the regular Olympic Games next year). There will be over 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilites from around the world there. The games begin October 3 in Shanghai. I will be going with about 150 other law enforcment officers from aorund the world ( a lot from the US) who will be carrying the Olympic Flame around the country before the games begin. We arrive in Beijing Sept 23. I'm not sure where all we will be going, but I do know that we will be running with a lot of the local police officers in each city or region. What I need to know is what are some of the more common mistakes that Westerners make tend to make when dealing with the Chinese. We want to be good guests and I will be leading a team of runners, so I am particularly concerned about how to best communicate with our hosts and not offend anyone. Any advice is appreciated. I'm reading some books, but first hand knowledge is always best. Thanks, Roy

Jun 29, 2007 16:12

RUNNER
Points:
Join Date: Jun 29, 2007
Status: offline

HI,

I'm going to make my first visit to China in September. Here's the deal. China is hosting the World Special Olympics Summer Games ( not to be confused with the regular Olympic Games next year). There will be over 7,000 athletes with intellectual disabilites from around the world there. The games begin October 3 in Shanghai.

I will be going with about 150 other law enforcment officers from aorund the world ( a lot from the US) who will be carrying the Olympic Flame around the country before the games begin. We arrive in Beijing Sept 23. I'm not sure where all we will be going, but I do know that we will be running with a lot of the local police officers in each city or region.

What I need to know is what are some of the more common mistakes that Westerners make tend to make when dealing with the Chinese. We want to be good guests and I will be leading a team of runners, so I am particularly concerned about how to best communicate with our hosts and not offend anyone. Any advice is appreciated. I'm reading some books, but first hand knowledge is always best.

Thanks, Roy

Jul 1, 2007 22:20

LEONARDO
Points:
Join Date: May 21, 2007
Status: Offline

RUNNER, I think you must be a considerate and careful person. Take it easy, Chinese people are very hospitable, and your hosts will arrange everything for you.

Anyway, here are some tips:
respect the customs of your hosts, and try to figure out what nationality he/she belongs to. If she/he is a muslim, don't ask them for some pork.
Don' t talk about politically sensitive issues, because your hosts might be some officials.
Don't talk too much about sex in public, since Chinese people are a little bit reticent.

Jul 2, 2007 08:49	#2
RUNNER Points: Join Date: Jun 29, 2007 Status: Offline	Leonardo, Thanks for the advise. I will remember what you said. Runner

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