Li Hao

THE presence of Liang Daoxing at yesterday’s opening ceremony gave three foreign junior journalists a rare opportunity to conduct their first English interviews with an official.

“Can I interview some hero athletes during the Universiade?” asked Eric Kim, an 11-year-old South Korean boy.

“Of course, you will see a lot of athletes from around the world,” Liang answered in fluent English.

After Liang answered the first question, Ellen Anankier, a 13-year-old Danish girl who studies at Nanshan Bilingual School, asked: “Can I visit the Universiade venues?” “Sure, you will definitely have a chance,” Liang said.

Prashanthi Perera, a Canadian girl, who studies at Shiling Primary School in Futian District, was concerned about Liang’s health because he is in his 60s and was working under great pressure as the chief coordinator of so much Universiade work.

“Mr. Liang, are you tired and happy?” asked the 10-year-old girl.

“I do feel tired because I have a lot of work to do, but it makes me happy,” Liang said, smiling.

Liang told the Shenzhen Daily that, as director general of the Executive Office of the organizing committee, he would like to set an example for city officials to learn English.

Liang has been practicing English for many years, in an active response to Speak<2022>Shenzhen, a citywide English-speaking campaign that started in 2004.

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