Int'l Health Qigong Tournament
CNC report from Vancouver
Added On September 19, 2011
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Health Qigong in western world
Lifestyles will leave you with a look at the ongoing International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange in Vancouver!
STANDUP (ENGLISH) AL CAMPBELL, CNC CORRESPONDENT:
"I'm here in Vancouver where for the first time in its history the International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange is being held outside of China to promote awareness of this sport which is becoming increasingly popular around the world. The fourth edition of this tournament which was last held in Shanghai in 2009, features 44 international Qigong organizations from 25 countries and regions, altogether more than 300 people are participating in this week-long tournament."
At the gala opening ceremony at the University of British Columbia on Saturday, the audience was treated to a visual spectacular in a Lion Dance, a performance by the First Nations native people of the area, and a parade of the athletes into the competition hall.
Dignitaries and politicians at the national, provincial and civic levels spoke of how such events can enhance the friendships and understanding between nations. Among those in attendance was Xiao Min, vice-president of the All-China Sports Federation.
SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) XIAO MIN, VP, ALL-CHINA SPORTS FEDERATION
"Now I'm very proud to present that the fourth International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange commence."
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) XIAO MIN, VP, ALL-CHINA SPORTS FEDERATION
"As one of the best Chinese traditional sports, Health Qigong becomes more and more popular at home and abroad. We've held three tournaments of this kind in China. Now for the first time, we hold the 4th International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange outside China so as to promote the Health Qigong and serve the Health Qigong lovers better."
Xiao said more and more people were increasingly discovering Health Qigong around the world.
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) XIAO MIN, VP, ALL-CHINA SPORTS FEDERATION
"We still have a long way to go in promoting Health Qigong. However, we will try our best to promote it so as to bring health benefits to more and people in the world."
Presenting a message from Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper was Wai Young, a Chinese-Canadian politician who represents the riding of Vancouver South.
SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) WAI YOUNG, CANADA POLITICIAN:
"I would like to commend the organizing committee for putting together a program that promotes cultural exchange and encourages others to embrace Qigong teachings and practices for health, fitness and personal growth. I’m certain that the enthusiasts will make the most of this exciting opportunity and will leave inspired to put what they have learned into practice. Please accept my best wishes for a most enjoyable and memorable event, the Right Honorable Stephen Harper."
Also in attendance was Liang Shugen, the Chinese Consul General in Vancouver, who called everybody in the competition a winner, and added that winning a medal was not the major concern here.
SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) LIANG SHUGEN, CHINESE CONSUL GENERAL IN VANCOUVER:
"However, it is all the more important that your group build up friendship among the different peoples from different countries, so therefore I wish you all do your best and hope that through this competition you bring the friendship of the Chinese people, of the people from different countries, back to your home country and it is such a course that will be building a harmonious world."
Among the performers in the opening ceremony were Health Qigong groups from America, Canada, China including Macau and Hong Kong, and competitors from various countries in Europe.
SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) MEOEH RIOUX, DUTCH QIGONG COMPETITOR
"It gave me a sense of feeling good from inside out. Because I practice Wushu, Taichi and Qigong, altogether, like they connect. When I come around with Qigong later on, as I did with Wushu, Taiji and from Qigong I feel complete."
SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) AN DEBIE, BELGIAN QIQONG COMPETITIOR:
"I sort of discovered it actually, because I was dancing for a long time. I was doing a lot of contemporary dance. And from there I went to yoga and to all kinds of body practices. And then, by chance actually, I discovered Qigong. I found a flyer and I was hooked immediately because I felt that given all these years of physical training I felt changes in my body and my health improved. I felt calmer, more at ease with myself, so that’s my story since seven years now been practicing."
STANDUP (ENGLISH) AL CAMPBELL, CNC CORRESPONDENT:
"This tournament is being hosted by the Chinese Health Qigong Association, which has worked hard in recent years to promote Qigong beyond the borders of China. This tournament here in Vancouver is really four-fold as it involves a two-day Qigong tournament, as well as a referee’s clinic, a training session promoting the various disciplines of Health Qigong, as well as a duan examination of Health Qigong."
Ken Low, who is considered Mr Wushu in Canada, was instrumental in organizing the Vancouver event. As the president of the Canada International Health Qigong Association he says people need to know that the practice is much more than just a good workout.
SOUNDBITE (ENGLISH) KEN LOW, ORGANIZER:
"It is more than fitness, it's actually mental and physical. It builds inner strength and strengthens your joints and muscles and tendons, particularly in your neck area, your shoulders, your spine and your inner organs and your breathing and your focus. So it's not a martial arts although it is connected somewhat to martial arts because the movements have no self-defence meanings. All the movements are designed to enhance your health."
The fourth International Health Qigong Tournament and Exchange continues through Thursday in Vancouver.