NANJING, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are designed to be the ultimate sporting event for young athletes, but they are about much more than just competition. They are about learning important skills, connecting to other cultures and celebrating the Olympic values of excellence, friendship and respect. A diverse range of activities provides sports and life skills to athletes to help them grow in their sporting careers, live healthier lifestyles and experience different cultures.
Perhaps the best places for the athletes to learn about the host country’s culture is the Chinese Culture Hut. The 60sqm display offers visitors the chance to get a small taste of 5,000 years of Chinese culture by trying their hands at calligraphy, the Chinese language, Chinese tea, Chinese folk music, tai chi, the lion dance, and making Chinese pottery and souvenir knots. On 18 August, volunteers dressed in traditional Han Chinese clothing walked the streets of the YOV asking athletes to take pictures with them. There was even a Han Clothing Fashion Show performed by Nanjing university students. “We are a walking advertisement Han Chinese clothing,” said a volunteer modeling for the show. “Chinese clothes are really beautiful,” said one Egyptian athlete in the audience, “But I don’t know if they would be practical to wear during the competition.”
The World Culture Village is an area decorated by local schools that is one of the highlights of the YOV. World Culture Village booths are scattered throughout the YOV to showcase the world’s cultural diversity. Throughout the Games, the booths will display the unique culture of the countries in the world over four successive time periods showcasing Europe, Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. 18 August marked the final day of the day of the European culture booths and the first day of the 53 African culture booths. Athletes can visit these booths to gain an understanding of the customs and culture of various African nations. Upon seeing a booth from her country, Fatoumata Bangoura from Guinea said, "My country is very small so I am happy to have more friends from all over the world learn more about my country and our culture.”
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