I care what people say about China because it is my home. My family's connection with China goes back three generations: my Grandfather worked as a doctor in Shaoyang, Hunan Province from 1919 to 1951. In 1926 my Father was the second baby born in the hospital that my grandfather ran there for those thirty years.
Continuing the family tradition, in 2003 I was selected to visit China twice; once as a representative of the Law Society at a conference hosted by the Shanghai Bar Association and the British Council to learn how lawyers could make a contribution to society; the second time as a representative of a UK charity at a conference hosted by Youth Business China on creating employment opportunities for young people in China.
My current role is to enlighten people from the US and Europe about how best to operate in China. For nine years I have worked for a law firm acting as an interface between our Chinese and European offices. As the Corporate Social Responsibility Manger for Asia I advise companies on ethical issues and create collaborations between MNC's and Chinese Government charities to undertake philanthropic projects. Also I organise Young Professionals' Forums to allow up to 200 people from diverse backgrounds to interact with speakers from the Chinese Government, foreign embassies and non-profit sectors debating issues such as the 'Environment', 'China in Africa', 'China as a role model for developing nations', and 'Innovative solutions to unemployment'. The forums rarely provide real answers but create a catalyst for cross-cultural conversation as a foundation for international understanding.
Each vacation I explore a different part of China. With Chinese friends I crossed the Silk Road in 2003. The following year we went overland from Chongqing to Lhasa and this year I travelled to the three gorges dam and surrounding scenic areas. When I communicate China to my Western friends, I hold the ancient etchings of the Dunhuang caves, the clarity of the Yunnan lakes and the splendour of the three gorges in my mind's eye so I do not paint an insipid picture.
Sport has always allowed me to cross barriers. When I play basketball in Chaoyang park, whatever our background the people on court have the common language of sport. My best times in China have been spent hiking with cross-culture friends bonded by an appreciation of the unparalleled beauty of the countryside. At university I won the election for Student Union Sports President with the slogan 'sport for all'.
I want Beijing 2008 to be about 'China for all'. Born in Zambia, my traditional name was Moomini or 'moonlight', my English name, Clare, from clarus, the Latin for bright. I would therefore be honoured to hold up a torch to show people a true picture of China, the country I care for.
