Chinese Ambassador Zang presents Liberia’s medalists from the WUSHU games; and Master Russian performs martial arts
To expand Chinese martial arts (Wushu) across Liberia, the Liberia National Wushu Association (LNWA) in collaboration with the UNMIL Chinese Police (FPU) and the Confucius Institute at the University of Liberia on Friday held a one-day awareness in Monrovia.
The China-Liberia martial arts program, sponsored by the Chinese Embassy, attracted many Liberians who expressed interest to become part of the association.
During the program, many Liberians witnessed a series of martial arts performances that they usually see in martial arts movies.
Members of the UNMIL Chinese FPU took the stage performing various segments of Wushu including, dragon dance, Shaolin stick performance, and Chinese dancing.
Speaking at the program, Chinese Ambassador accredited to Liberia Zhang Yue said he was amazed when he first saw LNWA athletes performing and for that reason decided to support the association.
“Their concentration and enthusiasm to Wushu touched me, so I decide to give my support,” Ambassador Zhang said.
He said Wushu is a self-disciplined and confidence building sport that is accepted worldwide; and is helpful, especially among young people, and most importantly serves as a medium to connect and promote mutual understanding.
“Youth are the dynamic force of a nation, and the China –Liberia friendly relationship lies in people to people friendship,” Ambassador Zhang said.
“Exchanges and interactions between the young people of China and Liberia constitute a very important part of our bilateral partnership,” Ambassador Zhang noted.
He promised to host the event annually if Liberians create interest and will provide his support to ensure that the sport grows in the country.
“I promise you again that we will do more next year, all of these are for the friendship of our two countries; therefore, we should all make more efforts to keep this partnership on and on,” he added.
Wushu is a Chinese word meaning martial arts or kungfu that originated in China over 5,000 years ago, according to the Chinese Ambassador.