I have been living and working in China for over 4 years. In that time I have developed a deep affection for China, it¡¯s people, it¡¯s history, it¡¯s scenery, it¡¯s culture and particularly it¡¯s food!.
As an Englishman with only a limited knowledge of China before I arrived in 2003, I have been pleasantly surprised and sometimes amazed by the real China that I have seen. The rapid growth and development, the long and deep traditions, and the family focus of the lifestyle all combine to leave me with a deep impression.
Although my work in China occupies much of my time, I also enjoy being active in the community. I strongly believe that we all have a social responsibility to give something back, which has driven me to regularly donate blood, encourage my company to organize events for a local school for migrant workers children, and even to fly back to England to run in two London Marathons to raise several thousand pounds for international and Chinese charities.
In work, I have helped my company to become the first US FDA approved manufacturer of our type of products in China, and in doing so am helping to raise the credibility and image abroad of the Chinese pharmaceutical industry. As a result of our progress here, my company has invested a further $40M in China bringing in additional work for some 200 people.
I also enjoy ensuring that positive messages get taken back to the UK about China by giving my many visitors a positive experience in Shanghai and China, and by ensuring that they understand the way that the government here is working to deliver progress.
So in many aspects, socially and professionally, China and I are enjoying a healthy relationship with both parties benefiting. I have benefited through developing cultural awareness and appreciation of differences, and China has benefited through my social responsibility and work activities.
I believe that I would be a good choice as an Olympic torchbearer as I have always been a passionate sports player and watcher. I have played many sports, with my main one being field hockey which I have played for 28 years, recently playing for the Shanghai Hockey Club expats team and for the expats ¡°Team China¡± in several international tournaments around Asia.
I have always watched previous Olympic Games through the media, and the chance to actually participate in some small way would be a great honour.
I am extremely excited that I will be in China when it hosts the Olympics, and have already secured tickets for some events through the online residents booking lottery.
To take part in the build up as one of the torchbearers would be a truly amazing experience.
Also, as my current contract here ends in September 2008, involvement in the Olympics would be a fantastic way for me to finish my wonderful five year experience of living in China.
