Illustration: Liu Xiangya/GT

Chinese Olympic champions have recently been paying visits to different places to reach more sports fans.    

A Paris Olympics champions delegation, headed by swimmer Pan Zhanle and weightlifter Li Wenwen, arrived in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Monday, with their activities there including visiting people in local communities, particularly young people, through activities such as cultural exhibitions, school visits and community engagements.

Simultaneously, six-time Olympic table tennis gold medalist Ma Long and Tokyo Olympic shooting champion Yang Qian are to visit Taiwan as part of a university delegation. Their nine-day visit, starting from Wednesday, will include interactions with six universities and an opportunity for the duo to try to play baseball, the most popular sport on the island. 

"These parallel events underscore the unifying spirit of sports and the role of athletes as sports icons who inspire unity, pride and understanding across the country," said Cao Yaqi, a vice editor-in-chief of Titan Sports newspaper. 

"Olympic champions are more than just athletes but symbols of perseverance, resilience and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Their visits to Xinjiang and Taiwan offer these values to young people and local communities first-hand."

In Xinjiang, the athletes' presence is expected to resonate deeply with local people. Their stories of hard work and triumph on the world stage have offered concrete examples of how determination can overcome adversity. Such interactions encourage local youth to dream big and pursue their goals with the same tenacity as their athletic heroes.

Similarly in Taiwan, Ma's legendary status as a table tennis champion and Yang's achievements as an Olympic gold medalist serve as reminders of Chinese people's shared spirit of excellence. Their visits are likely to inspire students and sports enthusiasts to embrace challenges and push their limits, reinforcing the message that success is born from persistence and dedication.

The Olympic Games are a global platform where athletes not only compete but also carry hopes and dreams. Chinese Olympic champions represent the pinnacle of the country's sports achievements, showcasing the strength and potential of the Chinese people. Their visits to Xinjiang and Taiwan are an opportunity to share stories of national pride, highlighting the collective efforts behind their individual success.

In Xinjiang, where diverse ethnic groups coexist, the presence of the Olympic champions can foster a sense of shared identity and belonging. By sharing their experiences on the Olympic stage, the athletes can evoke a profound sense of unity and pride among the local people, reaffirming the bonds that tie all Chinese people together.

In Taiwan, their visit is a chance to remind compatriots of the shared heritage and cultural pride that underpin the Chinese nation. In 2023, when three-time Olympic table tennis champion Ding Ning played a friendly match with local university students, the scene was filled with friendship and joy.

Beyond their athletic achievements, the Olympic champions' visits will play a crucial role in fostering dialogue and understanding. Sports, with its universal appeal, serve as a powerful bridge that transcends differences and builds connections.

In Xinjiang, where cultural and ethnic diversity is a defining characteristic, the champions' presence can encourage meaningful interactions among different communities. Through activities that emphasize teamwork, collaboration, and mutual respect, these visits contribute to deeper integration and harmony within the region.

In Taiwan, where historical and political complexities often dominate discourse, the champions' visit provides a refreshing focus on common ground. Engaging in sports-related activities with students and athletes from Taiwan creates opportunities for genuine interaction and communication. These moments of shared enthusiasm and collaboration can help dispel misconceptions, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a sense of unity among compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.

Sports are deeply intertwined with culture, embodying values such as teamwork, discipline and perseverance. The Olympic champions' visits also provide a platform to celebrate the unique cultural identities of Xinjiang and Taiwan while highlighting their contributions to China's broader heritage.

In Xinjiang, the champions can explore and appreciate the region's rich cultural diversity, from traditional music and dance to its distinctive cuisine. Their engagement with local communities offers an opportunity to spotlight the rgion's vibrant cultural heritage to a broader audience, as a video clip featuring swimmer Pan learning Uygur dance has been widely circulated on social media.

In Taiwan, the champions can share their experiences while learning about the island's unique cultural traditions. Whether through participating in a baseball camp or engaging in friendly table tennis matches, their interactions can serve as a celebration of the diverse and interconnected cultural landscape across the Straits.

The Olympic champions' visits demonstrate that, regardless of regional or cultural differences, the values embodied in sports - resilience, teamwork, and pursuit of excellence - are universal and deeply rooted in the shared spirit of the Chinese people. By engaging with local communities, inspiring youth and fostering dialogue, these champions are not merely visiting but building bridges for understanding and unity. 

The author is a reporter with the Global Times. life@globaltimes.com.cn