(BEIJING, February 28) -- Ou Chunkun, a 93-year-old Chinese-American, has risen to fame for his longtime commitment to the national Chinese women's volleyball team. He is the team's oldest fan. "I will be 94 next year, but I will lead a healthy life in the hopes of watching their matches in the future," he said. The 93-year-old is battling for his life against stomach cancer and his story has won the hearts of many people from various sports circles. He is the honorary vice chairman of the Fujian Volleyball Association. Ou has applied to be an Olympic torch bearer. If approved, he will be the oldest torch bearer in Fujian Province. He was born in Fuzhou and studied at the Sammu Middle School in 1933, during which he was a school volleyball team member. Before he moved to Los Angeles, he was a skipper. The national Chinese women's volleyball team has left an indelible memory on him. In the 1980s, the team made history by winning five consecutive championships in a row. In the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Ou awarded cash prizes of his own to the team, who finished second at the Olympic Games. He headed to Japan in 2003 to cheer for the team, witnessing them re-ascend the top podium. In the past, Ou has watched the team's matches in Japan, Germany and the United States. A map inside his home is dotted full with small red flags, each of which represents a match location. "The team has made resounding achievements and the country is proud of that. I am so excited. I have become friends with team members and fans alike," Ou remarked.
|