Posted on 01/18/2008 10:45:46 AM PST by XR7
Gordon Brown today received a personal invitation to the 2008 Beijing Olympics from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao.
The invitation to the games, which take place in August, came as Mr Brown and his wife Sarah visited the People's University on the outskirts of Beijing on the first day of his official visit to China.
Mr Brown and Mr Wen joined a question and answer session with students and watched exhibition matches between young British table tennis hopefuls and their Chinese counterparts.
During the session, Mr Brown was asked if he would attend the Beijing games - which London will host in 2012.
The PM said:
"I will most certainly come to the Olympic Games if I'm invited and the reason I want to come is to learn from what I know will be the great success of China so we can follow you in London in 2012.
"I believe for young people in particular the contact that will happen will build cultural bridges that will stand us in good stead for the years to come."
After watching the exhibition table tennis matches, the Prime Minister announced a new scheme of partnership between young Chinese athletes and their British colleagues who would work and train together on a "buddy'' system.
Mr Brown was accompanied on his visit by double gold medallist Dame Kelly Holmes, who is spearheading the "Tomorrow's Champions" project involving exchange visits between young Chinese and British athletes.
Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (new window)
Largest socialist gov’t invites oldest socialist gov’t...how quaint.
Which events will Gordon be participating in?
The 4000 lb Tax Hike?
The oldest socialist government would be, what, Russia?
Are there any organized boycotts of the Olympics yet? I want to get on board.
The Brits cow-tow to the Chicoms. Cap in hand to their masters.
I wonder how many of our secrets obtained via shared military programs they are selling to the Chicoms this time ?
Its time we took a good hard look at our relationship with the UK.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
