Guangzhou Asiad promo tour reaches RP

MANILA, Philippines – The Guangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (GAGOC) yesterday launched its grand cultural promotion “Road of Asia” in the country which serves as part of the drum-up for the staging of the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou, China on Nov. 12-27 next year.

GAGOC deputy director Lu Tao Xiang presented the program to the Philippine Olympic Committee and Philippine media at the Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila.

“This is an extremely meaningful activity. We’ve organized vehicle and ancient sail boat teams to commence the activity from both land and sea routes, taking us through ancient China’s land and water ‘silk roads,’ leading us to visit every country along the way, and ultimately passing by every participating country of the Guangzhou Asian Games,” said Lu.

The boat, named Cocachin in honor of a Chinese princess and a fable dating back to 1292, set sail from Kuwait City in early March and is heading for Guangzhou where it will disembark in November in time for the one-year countdown to the Games.

The Cocachin, which has passed Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Pakistan and Malaysia, is now on the Philippine waters, progressing on its seven-month voyage.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming GAGOC here, and as the Cocachin continues its voyage across the continent, it is now our turn in Manila to pass on the torch of success, peace and prosperity to the 16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010,” said POC president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco.

“We are delighted to have a conference here in Manila about the Guangzhou 2010 Games as we look forward to the 16th edition of the Asian Games. The lineup of sports and incredible number of athletes that will be part of these Games in China demonstrates just how highly regarded the Asian Games is,” Cojuangco also said.

GAGOC also provided updates on the progress of its preparation for its hosting of the Asiad coming on the heels of the staging of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.