China Celebrates Its 15th Year

by Dr. Sam Micklus

 

            The Shanghai Odyssey of the Mind Association invited Carole and me to attend its fifteenth anniversary competition. After we said that we would love to, the Hong Kong Association asked us to attend its sixth competition, scheduled for the week before. I was asked to present workshops in both cities. We said yes to what would turn out to be the trip of our lifetime.

            First stop -- Hong Kong

            We left Florida and, after overnight stops in Seattle and Tokyo, arrived in Hong Kong, where we stayed for a week. I had been to Hong Kong fifteen years ago, but it has grown quite a bit since my last visit. Countless skyscrapers and other high-rise construction is underway. It is one of the great business cities in the world. The view overlooking Victoria Harbor is breathtaking, especially at night.

            The Hong Kong tournament was spectacular. A beautiful set, including the Odyssey logo in lights, provided a perfect background for the ceremonies. The teams’ solutions were great and our hosts were wonderful. After touring the harbor, the city, and the surrounding areas, it was time to depart for Shanghai.

            On to Shanghai

            The Shanghai Odyssey of the Mind fifteenth celebration was a major event. Outside of East China Normal University, large banners hung from lighter-than-air balloons. An inflatable arch-shaped sign marked the entryway. Inside, more banners were everywhere. Some 220 teams participated in the two-day competition.

            To take part in the celebration, people came from a number of provinces across China. Others came from Germany, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. Carole and I represented the U.S. The international friendship and support was heartwarming.

            Since it began in Shanghai, the Odyssey of the Mind program has spread to 11 of China's 30 provinces, making it the largest national membership outside of the U.S. The program receives strong support from the Chinese government, but its growth is due largely to the efforts of Association Director Chen Weixin, who has traveled extensively to promote the program.

            Odyssey of the Mind is so popular in China that for the last three years China Central TV aired a one-and-a-half-hour special about the program and is planning another for this year. More than 100 million people watch the broadcast annually.

            Third leg -- Beijing

            The final stop on our trip was Beijing. We took several tours in and around the city, and it was here that we experienced a severe dust storm. The dust was actually particles of sand blowing off the Gobi Desert. One newspaper reported that 30,000 tons of dust was in the air. We toured the Forbidden City that day. The dust made it difficult to see buildings that were only a few hundred feet away. The next day, on a visit to the Great Wall of China, most of the dust had cleared and we were able to view what may be one of the most impressive constructions on earth.

            Finally, it came time to begin our long journey home. Tired, but happy, we arrived in Florida 22 hours after departing Beijing. We will never forget our trip to China and sincerely thank all those special people who helped to make it so enjoyable.