Zealous Chinese Fans Given Workshops on Cheering

By Matthew Robertson Epoch Times Australia Staff Aug 16, 2008 Ultra-nationalist Chinese fans are reported to be booing rival competitors at recent Olympic events. Similar incidents over the years have sometimes escalated to violence. Commentators say that staunch Chinese nationalism is being used by the ruling Chinese Communist Party to preserve its grip on power. Olympic organisers spent millions of dollars on workshops for unruly Chinese fans in July of this year, in an apparent attempt to avoid repeating ugly scenes which would lead to embarrassment for the hosts. This included teaching fans to not only cheer for Chinese competitors and boo the opposition. According to the experiences of attendees at recent sporting events posted on the internet however, the ill behaviour has continued. For example, in the women’s... [read full story]