Sporting Diplomacy and the Spirit of the Olympic Games  - China and SA

by Kirtan Bhana - TDS

12 August 2024

When Carmen Bouwer, Manager of the South African National Climbing Federation, enquired about group Visas at the Embassy of China in Pretoria, South Africa, the response she received was surprising and unexpected. The Embassy, in support of the youth team that will be travelling to Guizhou Province, China, to participate in the International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Youth World Championships, granted them a R200,000 sponsorship.

At a handover ceremony hosted at the Embassy on Women’s Day, Ambassador Wu Peng said that China has always been an active supporter of South Africa’s sports development. Wu said that in making the donation, they wanted to assist the team realize their dream and show what they are capable of on the world’s climbing stage. 

China’s 40 gold medals tally at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games puts them equal with the USA, who topped the table with a total of 126 medals while China won 91. This is the largest number of medals that China has won since it began participating in the modern games and is reflective of the commitment China has placed on sport. 

The multi-fold value of the games is in the health and wellness, the dedication and discipline, and the vibrant spirit of competition among humanity in all its diverse splendour. As the games adapt to a new golden era, the Olympic Games is the ultimate exercise in sporting diplomacy which should be a primary consideration for funding, redirecting resources away from political chicanery. African nations made history at the spectacular games with Kenya winning 4 gold medals while Letsile Tebogo won Botswana’s first ever Olympic gold medal when he won the 200m athletics final. South Africa took gold in the 100m breaststroke in swimming and their track athletes won silver in the 100 meter men's relay and women’s javelin. 

Cairo and Cape Town, two African cities are considering a bid to host the 2036 or 2040 Olympics. If successful, it will be a first for the African Continent.

Paris the ‘City of Love’ also broke new records with the highest number of marriage proposals being made, more than at any other Olympic Games. The French took the opportunity to showcase the city and the class and sophistication they are renowned for.

The IFSC Youth World Championship will commence on August 22 in the city of Guiyang, the capital of Guizhou province. 

Wishing the athletes ‘Bon Voyage’ as they travel to China, Ambassador Wu said , “Like South Africa, China is a country with diverse landscapes and a rich, multi-ethnic culture. The province you are about to visit, Guizhou, is located in southwest China. Known for its picturesque scenery and numerous ethnic groups, it is often called "Colorful Guizhou," similar to South Africa's "Rainbow Nation. I wish you great success and hope you will carry forward this cherished China-South Africa sports friendship.”