The 40th Golden Mountain Bay Area Chinese Sports Congress, held its third meeting and conducted the election of the 41st committee chairman at the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center on the evening of February 11 (Tuesday). Former National Day committee chairman, Chen Ligong, was elected as the new chairman of the Chinese Sports Congress, with the approval of the entire audience.
That evening, Director Zhuang Yashu of the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center, along with the 40th committee chairman Chen Chaoquan, Secretary General Lai Shuna, Chief Advisor Lin Guixiang, Executive Advisor Lu Yuzhen, Secretary-General Chen Siru, Finance Director Wang Yiqin, and dozens of committee members attended the meeting.
The meeting began with an award ceremony where Montessori International School Saplings won the Spirit Overall Championship and Team Championship, while the Northern California Taiwan Chamber of Commerce received the Team Runner-up award. Subsequently, the leadership team of the 40th Chinese Sports Congress presented a summary report of last year’s event.
Chairman Chen Chaoquan of the 40th committee stated that this year’s sports congress was smoother than previous ones, making him proud. As the chairman of the 40th event, he successfully ensured the smooth running of the track events, allowing athletes to complete all competitions within the scheduled time. This was a significant improvement focus for him and a proud accomplishment.
He also mentioned that the key to the successful fundraising of this year’s sports congress lay in networking and mutual trust, transforming the raised funds into long-term assets for the benefit of future chairpersons. This effort aimed to save $10,000 to $20,000 in annual leasing costs, laying a foundation for the long-term development of the congress.
In order to lighten the burden on volunteers, this year’s congress hired additional help specifically for setting up and dismantling tents, providing volunteers with more time to enjoy the games. Lastly, he thanked everyone for their support and wished everyone a happy new year.
Director Zhuang Yashu mentioned that over the past year, the sports congress successfully organized various exciting events, attracting a large audience, and strengthening ties with the mainstream community. The Council and the Overseas Chinese Education Center specially thanked Chairman Chen Chaoquan and his team, as well as the conveners and volunteers, for their contributions towards the continuous development of the Chinese Sports Congress.
Chief Advisor Lin Guixiang encouraged everyone to continue their dedicated support for the sports congress each year. Executive Advisor Lu Yuzhen described the opening day of the event as crowded with people, expressing gratitude to Chairman Chen Chaoquan and his wife for their unwavering support for the congress, as well as everyone’s enthusiastic participation and support.
Secretary-General Lai Shuna expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their financial and physical support of the congress over the past 20 years. She mentioned that this year’s event featured innovative adjustments in event scheduling, such as moving the team events earlier to allow athletes to participate more comfortably in subsequent contests. Additionally, hiring assistance for some labor-intensive tasks helped alleviate the burden on volunteers.
Regarding fundraising efforts, this year’s congress raised more funds, which were then transformed into long-term assets by purchasing 110 tents, 150 tables, and 430 chairs to save on future leasing costs. Furthermore, to ensure equipment maintenance, she proposed setting new guidelines for tent rentals, suggesting that old tents could still be borrowed for free, while new ones might incur a fee to promote careful and proper usage.
She also mentioned that the newly purchased items were stored in warehouses and managed for long-term use. Although the congress paid for storage fees, all proceeds were donated to establish a user-pay concept, ensuring orderly management. Lastly, she hoped that the innovative ideas of this congress would be passed on, and she pledged to assist the next chairman in continuing the legacy of the Chinese Sports Congress. Subsequently, Chen Chaoquan nominated Chen Ligong as the next chairman of the sports congress, receiving unanimous approval.
Chen Ligong expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him, allowing him to assume the role of the 41st chairman of the sports congress. Under Chairman Chen’s leadership in the past year, the congress has flourished, acquiring tents, tables, chairs, and signage to enhance the quality of its activities. He expressed special thanks to all the activity heads and sports congress volunteers, as their perseverance and dedication over the years have laid the foundation for the 40-year legacy of the congress, showcasing the spirit of “Emerged Sports Congress, Glorious Forty.” In the coming year, he will take on this legacy and work hand in hand with everyone to organize every event successfully, ensuring that the spirit of the sports congress continues to shine brightly in the Bay Area. ◇