【 World Watch Universiade 】 Unforgettable Chengdu Universiade | Super Realistic! 21-year-old American fencer's "Old Friend's Appointment" Athlete to Panda Meilan | Giant Panda | Reality
On August 8th, China Daily reported that tonight, the 31st Chengdu Summer Universiade is coming to an end. In these short 12 days, young athletes from all over the world have been active on and off the field, truly perceiving China. The adorable national treasure giant panda has always been a medium for communication between China and foreign friendship, conveying a sincere passion. The cartoon image of the panda is spread throughout the streets and alleys of Chengdu, welcoming visitors from all directions.
During the Universiade, Meilan, a giant panda who returned to her hometown of Chengdu in 2010, welcomed an "old friend" - American fencer Kama Skeeter from Atlanta. When he met Meilan at the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, he said, "This trip to the Chengdu Universiade is a bit surreal!"
Kama Skeeter at Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
The fate of Skeeter and the giant panda Meilan began in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, when they were both young. On September 6, 2006, the Chinese giant panda Meilan was born at the Atlanta Zoo in the United States. It was the first giant panda born after the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base and the Atlanta Zoo launched the "International Panda Breeding Program". Skeeter was present at the time. "We live at both ends of the Earth, and it may not recognize me anymore. But I still hope it can recognize me," said Skitt, 21. "The most important thing is that we have all grown up and met again because of the Chengdu Universiade."
Skeeter is currently studying at Pennsylvania State University in the United States. In addition to the competition, he has been sharing his experiences during his time in Chengdu on social media, including visiting the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. His posts have caused a sensation in both China and the United States, and he also talked about his experience in the Universiade Village and the lives of local people in Chengdu.
Skeeter said he wants to show Americans what it looks like in China. "I want people to know that China has a lot of diversity that people don't understand. China is like an umbrella, with many different things under it." He said, "If there were more people like me who embrace new things, that would be great."
College athletes are visiting the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Photo by Wei Xiaohao, China Daily reporter
This is Skeeter's third time coming to China. At the age of 10, he had visited Beijing and Shenzhen, and also went to Wuxi to participate in fencing competitions. He said, "Every time I come to China, it gives me a different feeling. This is my first time coming to Chengdu, which is much bigger than I imagined. It was a very pleasant experience, and Chengdu people are very helpful." The Chengdu Universiade also provided Skeeter with an excellent opportunity to meet new friends from all over the world.
After finishing the competition at the Chengdu Universiade, Skeeter stated that he will soon return to his home country. Now, he will fully explore the city, taste street snacks, eat the hottest hotpot, and learn more about Chinese culture.
Athletes are shopping at specialty stores in the Chengdu Universiade Village. Photo by Wei Xiaohao, China Daily reporter
Since its inception, the World University Games have been a grand event for youth, unity, and friendship, allowing young people to view diversity with an equal, inclusive, and friendly perspective, and to view different cultures with an attitude of mutual appreciation and learning.
The members of the Türkiye sports delegation praised the friendly and peaceful atmosphere inside and outside the Chengdu Universiade. Table tennis player Ozg Ilmaz said, "Everyone here is very friendly, sincere, and friendly. I never expected to encounter such a wonderful atmosphere. Every time we meet athletes from different countries and regions, we exchange brooches. Sometimes we also exchange T-shirts. It's a wonderful fusion."
Judo athlete Mohammad Mustafa Kok said of the friendship and cultural exchange established at the Universiade, "Here, I have had the opportunity to meet many different people, athletes from different events, and have established deep friendships with them, as well as being exposed to new cultures."
The head of the table tennis team of the host Chinese delegation, Shen Haitao, said, "I hope our players can achieve the best results in the competition and make friends with their peers from all over the world. I hope they can tell the story of China and use the youthful charm of Chinese university students to impress their peers from all over the world."
