The Golden Gate Bay Area Chinese Sports Conference held a handover ceremony for the new and outgoing chairpersons, as well as the first preparatory meeting for the 41st Chinese Sports Conference, on the evening of February 25th (Tuesday) at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center.
On that day, the Director of the Taiwan Representative Office in San Francisco, Lai Mingqi, the Director of the Golden Gate Bay Area Overseas Chinese Education Center, Zhuang Yashu, and 56 members of the Chinese Sports Committee attended the meeting.
Before the handover ceremony, Director Lai Mingqi, on behalf of the government of the Republic of China, expressed gratitude for the hard work of the Chinese Sports Committee over the years in promoting sports events tirelessly. He humorously shared that over the past four and a half years, he has actively participated in tennis, softball, golf, basketball, bowling, billiards, and shooting competitions, and this year he plans to challenge table tennis with his wife.
He extended special thanks to the outgoing chairperson, Chen Zhaoquan, acknowledging his energetic and adept leadership despite the demanding responsibilities of the role. He particularly highlighted the successful fundraising dinner of this term, reaching a historical high, and the impressive performance by Chen’s wife, Lai Shuna, which left a lasting impression.
Additionally, he congratulated the incoming chairperson, Chen Ligong, mentioning that this is the second time he has witnessed his inauguration ceremony. From serving as the National Day Committee Chair to now taking the helm of the Chinese Sports Committee, Chen has once again stepped forward, believed to bring more contributions to the overseas community’s sports development.
Director Zhuang Yashu, in her address, mentioned that under the leadership of Chen Zhaoquan over the past year, the Chinese Sports Committee has not only flourished, but also adhered to the spirit of “Dragon Rising Chinese Sports, 40 Years of Splendor,” uniting the overseas community and introducing more mainstream communities to the grand event of Chinese sports.
She especially, on behalf of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee and the Overseas Chinese Education Center, expressed sincere gratitude to Chen Zhaoquan and his team, as well as all partners supporting the Chinese Sports Committee.
Simultaneously, she congratulated the new chairperson, Chen Ligong, praising his humility, dedication, and sense of responsibility, confident that he will continue to lead the Chinese Sports Committee on the solid foundation laid by Chen Zhaoquan, rallying the strength of the overseas community and carrying on the spirit of Chinese sports.
Following this, the handover ceremony for the new and outgoing chairpersons took place, with Chen Ligong officially assuming the role of chairman, Su Beilin as Secretary-General, and Chen Shuyuan as Financial Director. The handover ceremony was witnessed by Director Lai Mingqi and on behalf of the chairperson of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee, Xu Jiaqing, congratulatory certificates were presented to Chen Ligong, while a certificate of appreciation was given to outgoing chairperson Chen Zhaoquan.
Subsequently, the new chairperson, Chen Ligong, delivered his speech, expressing special thanks to Director Lai Mingqi, Director Zhuang Yashu, and their team for their support to the Chinese Sports Committee over the years, not only actively participating in various activities but also being the strongest backing of the committee. He also thanked outgoing chairperson Chen Zhaoquan for his outstanding contributions over the past year, especially the acquisition of tents, tables, chairs, and equipment, significantly enhancing the infrastructure of the Chinese Sports Committee.
Furthermore, he paid tribute to past chairpersons, conveners of various events, and all volunteer partners, thanking everyone for their dedication and perseverance in laying the solid foundation of the Chinese Sports Committee over the forty years. He pledged to work hand in hand with everyone to organize each event successfully, ensuring that the spirit of Chinese sports is passed down and flourishes in the South Bay. ◇