Jackie Chan nominated as Inspirational Person candidate
( 2003-11-20 15:35) (Shenzhen Daily)
CCTV, China's most important
TV broadcast company, has launched its second annual campaign to elect people
who have inspired China in 2003. Of the 24 candidates for the Inspirational
Person of the Year award, only two are from show business: Jackie Chan and Tai
Lihua, a deaf-mute dancer.
 The selection campaign targets people with
different occupations, backgrounds and experience. Some of them are well-known
and others are little-known. But what they have done must be an inspiration to
China and its people.
Five medical workers - two of them dead - comprise the largest percentage of
the candidates. Astronaut Yang Liwei, Chen Zhonghe, the head coach for the
Chinese women's volleyball team that has just won a World Cup title, and
scientist Qian Xuesen were also nominated.
According to CCTV, Chan was selected because, "as an actor, he has made the
Chinese film industry famous thoroughout the world. He has helped open a window
for the world to understand China, with a persistent pursuit of his cause and
his indomitable work spirit. As a public figure, he has influenced other people
with his patriotic passion and a loving heart for society. He has helped
transmit warmth among people in a time of ultimate need."
To boost Beijing's tourism after the SARS outbreak died down, Chan starred in
a promotional video for free. For the Olympic Games 2008, which will be held in
Beijing, Chan has been chosen as one of the two people to escort the Olympic
Torch relay.
Ten people will be finally chosen from the candidates.
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