Australian Olympic Team Ticker-tape Parade held today in Sydney was a big success. Thousands of well-wishers welcomed the Olympians, who performed so well during the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Looking at the moved face of pole vaulter, Steven Hooker I think walking down George Street was as moving and unforgettable experience for him as standing on the dais in Beijing accepting his gold medal.
Few days ago I watched Olympian Michelle Engelsman speak out against the Internet firewall in China. The event was organised by Amnesty International and took place over two days. There was no media present to report on the event and if you follow the news there was not a single mention of it.
I thought to myself if it has any sense since its exposure is very local and practically invisible.
Concurrently there was huge media outcry over the Internet limitations access in Beijing. Today, to my surprise, I have noticed the Chinese government went good on its promise of unrestricted Internet access. This extraordinary move was communicated to the journalist reporting on the Olympic Games by China’s president, Hu Jintao.
Australian Tibet Council has organised a peaceful protest today in Martin Place against alleged brutal military crackdown against Tibet by Chinese government. The council is clear: Australian Olympic Committee should boycott carrying of the torch up Mount Everest. Interestingly the message did not call for the total boycott of the Olympics in Beijing.
The photograph shows news cameraman filming gathered protesters, their posters and gruesome photographs of torture victims.
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