The Welcoming Committee at Shenzhen Bao'an Airport. Photo/Edna Zhou
SHENZHEN, August 4, 2011 - I arrived at Shenzhen Airport late Wednesday night to an unexpectedly warm welcome, filled with the sort of fanfare that seems more appropriate for a celebrity figure than an unassuming sports journalist.
As the very first representative of the media to arrive at Shenzhen’s Bao’an Airport for the 26th Summer Universiade, no effort was spared to ensure my Games-time experience began as smoothly as possible. As I stepped off the plane, Universiade staff, volunteers, and photographers were quick to greet me with an enthusiastic, “Welcome to Shenzhen!” and immediately ushered me into the front seat of the bus to the airport terminal.
Upon arrival – with photographers furiously recording every second of this process – I was asked to present my invitation letter; in exchange after its approval, I was proudly given a “Media” sticker to wear on my top. May, the staff member in charge, also presented me with a silver Universiade business card holder as a gift for being the inaugural media arrival.
The entourage of staff, volunteers, and photographers then followed as I was directed to the Universiade-dedicated customs line, where a sole immigration officer was patiently waiting to check my passport. One passport stamp and several hundred photos later, I was through customs and promptly whisked away in a Universiade car. Total time for the entire process, from airplane door to car door: 23 minutes. (The only lag time encountered was while waiting for my luggage to appear on the carousel; I’m sure if they could have controlled it so my suitcase arrived first, they would have.)
Afterwards, as we were driving to the hotel, May explained, “We had been waiting for you all night!” The driver gushed as he corrected her: “We have been waiting for you for four years!” Indeed, Shenzhen has been preparing tremendously for this moment to shine. Given the dedication and passion I saw in everyone in those first 23 minutes in Shenzhen, we – the media, the athletes, the spectators – are all in for a truly spectacular and enjoyable Universiade.
(Edna Zhou, AIPS Staff)
