Chinese Universiade delegation sends invitations to world

BANGKOK, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) — The Chinese delegation to the 24th Universiade sent invitations to the world during their parade into the Rajamangala National Stadium in the opening ceremony on Wednesday.

“Welcome to Beijing, 8 August, 2008,” said the banner they carried.

The Universiade, which opened here on Wednesday, exact one year before the Beijing Olympics, has attracted more than 12,000 athletes and officials from 158 countries and regions all over the world.

The 445-member Chinese delegation also carried slogans saying “Harbin 2009 Winter Universiade” and “Shenzhen 2011 Summer Universiade”.

Nearly 100 Chinese students who study in Thailand, together with some 40,000 spectators cheered for the Chinese delegation when they entered the stadium.

Zheng Wuyao, Chinese junior student in the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce said he was quite excited on seeing the Chinese delegation marching into the stadium.

“I wish that I can go back to Beijing to watch the opening ceremony of the Olympics next year,” Zheng said.