Page 5 - The South China Business Journal
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Charles Bennett Summer is here and that means baseball season in the United States –
Consul General and AmCham South China’s youth baseball league here in Guangzhou
Consulate General of the United - is in full swing. Sports are an important part of American culture as
States of America, Guangzhou, China much for the excitement of competition as the underlying principles of
sportsmanship, respecting rules, and teamwork. The shared appreciation
for a game can also supersede language and cultural differences. Over
forty years ago, “ping-pong diplomacy” opened a new chapter in U.S.-
China relations in the 1970s. Now, more than ever, sports bring us
together and help foster international cooperation.
The U.S. Consulate has programming that highlights the contribution of
sports to the American identity. This year, we hosted a Super Bowl event
that was widely covered by local media. We also supported the visit of
Oakland Raider James Cowser, who conducted a youth football camp in
Foshan. After the 2018 Winter Paralympics Games, we shared the inspiring
stories behind the athletes’ perseverance and victories. Last year, we hosted
the visit of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon
at a time when the race was restricted to men only. China Southern
Airlines’ inflight magazine then featured her story demonstrating the
universal appeal of inspiring athletes. China’s middle class is increasingly
turning to less traditional sports like running and triathlons to stay healthy
creating a growing market opportunity as well.
Regardless of whether you consider yourself an athlete or a fan, we
welcome your attendance at our regularly scheduled consulate events that
feature sports in America. Some of your companies may already sponsor
sports teams. For cross-cultural relations, supporting sports is always a
home run.
South China Business Journal 3
Charles Bennett Summer is here and that means baseball season in the United States –
Consul General and AmCham South China’s youth baseball league here in Guangzhou
Consulate General of the United - is in full swing. Sports are an important part of American culture as
States of America, Guangzhou, China much for the excitement of competition as the underlying principles of
sportsmanship, respecting rules, and teamwork. The shared appreciation
for a game can also supersede language and cultural differences. Over
forty years ago, “ping-pong diplomacy” opened a new chapter in U.S.-
China relations in the 1970s. Now, more than ever, sports bring us
together and help foster international cooperation.
The U.S. Consulate has programming that highlights the contribution of
sports to the American identity. This year, we hosted a Super Bowl event
that was widely covered by local media. We also supported the visit of
Oakland Raider James Cowser, who conducted a youth football camp in
Foshan. After the 2018 Winter Paralympics Games, we shared the inspiring
stories behind the athletes’ perseverance and victories. Last year, we hosted
the visit of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon
at a time when the race was restricted to men only. China Southern
Airlines’ inflight magazine then featured her story demonstrating the
universal appeal of inspiring athletes. China’s middle class is increasingly
turning to less traditional sports like running and triathlons to stay healthy
creating a growing market opportunity as well.
Regardless of whether you consider yourself an athlete or a fan, we
welcome your attendance at our regularly scheduled consulate events that
feature sports in America. Some of your companies may already sponsor
sports teams. For cross-cultural relations, supporting sports is always a
home run.
South China Business Journal 3
