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rfmcdonaldThe Macau Daily Times had an interesting
Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999, hence the choice.
This movement in the Lusophone community reminds me of the use of international sports competitions in other language communities, like the Jeux de la Francophonie in the Francophone world.
To an extent, this news item also points towards the growing number of interactions between China and the Lusophone world. Brazil-China trade is growing so quickly that it is alarming the United States, for instance, and is forming the basis for a trade alliance between these two BRIC countries against protectioniss in the developed world, while oil-rich Angola is enjoying massive if controversial investments from China. Macau might still be a portal between the Lusophone world and Brazil, just with different Lusophone partners and under Chinese sovereignty.
With the Beijing Games fast approaching, Olympic Committees around the world have been getting busier.
Athletes from Portuguese-speaking or Lusophone countries Angola, Portugal, Cape Verde, Sao Tome and Principe, East Timor and Mozambique will be in Macau training for the Beijing Games, which starts on August 8.
On Saturday, the Portuguese-speaking countries Games Organising Committee (ACOLOP) met for its 12th general assembly, where the forthcoming Lisbon Games were one of the main topics of focus.
“It really empowers us to know that, through sports, we are contributing to bring together brothers and sisters from different continents and sharing a common language”, said Manuel Silvério, president of the Executive Committee, adding that this was “one of the prime objectives of our association: to promote cultures, our language and our friendship”.
The games which will be held next year, was one of the main issues discussed over the weekend, as it is an issue which is considered “important” and a priority for the Portuguese Olympic Committee (COP).
“We want the second Lusophone Games Lisbon 2009 to be the best multisport event Portugal has ever held”, said Vicente Moura, President of COP.
The Lisboa 2009 Games will be held between July 11 and 19 next year, and officials have announced the event will comprise 10 sports, mainly: Football, Futsal, Athletics, Basketball, Beach Volleyball, Table Tennis, Judo, Taekwondo, Volleyball, and one demonstration sport, Paralympic Athletics.
However, these are still yet to be confirmed, once members' opinions are gathered.
Also at the meeting, members chose the Games' mascot, “Xama”, which means “flame” in Portuguese, and is a “funny orange and yellowish character,” a statement by the committee released yesterday said.
With the second edition of the Lusophone Games about to roll in, the third edition is already being discussed and the General Assembly has already marked the official start for welcoming bids to organise the 2013 Games.
In addition, with Brazil wanting to host the 2016 Olympic Games, members of the general assembly showed their support and encouragement towards the Brazilian nation.
Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999, hence the choice.
This movement in the Lusophone community reminds me of the use of international sports competitions in other language communities, like the Jeux de la Francophonie in the Francophone world.
To an extent, this news item also points towards the growing number of interactions between China and the Lusophone world. Brazil-China trade is growing so quickly that it is alarming the United States, for instance, and is forming the basis for a trade alliance between these two BRIC countries against protectioniss in the developed world, while oil-rich Angola is enjoying massive if controversial investments from China. Macau might still be a portal between the Lusophone world and Brazil, just with different Lusophone partners and under Chinese sovereignty.
