OLYMPICS/ Culture
Making room for a dream
By Cui Xiaohuo (China Daily)
Updated: 2007-08-31 10:57
In 2004, the local authority awarded Na Zhong, Na Heli's 73-year-old father, the exceptional honor of becoming the most senior one among the 148 torchbearers for the Athens Olympics, representing an ordinary resident who sacrificed for the Beijing Olympics.
"When my father got the call from BOCOG while he was traveling in Hainan, he was eager to leave the vacation and prepare for the torch relay in Beijing," said the Na junior.
The family rented an empty room for the old man to practice the 400m relay. Neighbors were surprised to see him running around the neighborhood, upholding an empty wine bottle as the torch.
"I quit drinking and cut-down smoking as much as I can," the old man told local media.
On June 9, 2004, the Na senior ran right pass the Bird's Nest holding the Olympic flame. The experience made him more determined to campaign for another torch relay for the Beijing Games.
However, he died of heart failure later that year.
"That's why I hope I can keep my family's Olympic dream alive," said the Na junior, who has submitted his own name to the torch relay organizers.
Na presently works for one of the contractors for the Beijing Olympic Village, where he drives to work every morning. As the chief supervisor, he is running a low-profit service area where migrant workers at the venues could have access to items such as low-priced cold beers or free outdoor movies in the evening.
The Athens torch that was held by the late Na Zhong, is now cherished by the entire family. Na Heli said it's the best legacy within his family.
"If I become a torchbearer, there will be two Olympic torches in our family and I'm sure my daughter would love to try as well. The relay goes on," he said.
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