(Transcribed from recordings, with some edits)
I initially made a PowerPoint for this presentation. However, after listening to the insights shared by Global South representatives and senior fellows, I decided to adjust my content to explore the relationship between the "Cun Chao" (Village Super League) and the Mass Line.
I am a football commentator, fan and one of the "Cun Chao" organizers in Rongjiang. As an enthusiast, I've long admired Latin America's football traditions and the spirit of local players. For example, Diego Armando Maradona is renowned for his amazing skills, and also wins recognition as a national hero resisting imperialism. Though our football standards still lag behind Latin America's, the success of "Cun Chao" holds valuable lessons for socialist practice.
To conclude our experience, I reckon the core of "Cun Chao" lies in the Mass Line. The Mass Line meant mobilizing and relying on the masses during the revolutionary period, while in the peaceful era, it has taken on new meanings across different fields. In Rongjiang, "Cun Chao" fully respects and stimulates the enthusiasm and pioneering spirit of ordinary people. Participants and spectators are locals, and there is no admission fee. It relies entirely on spontaneous mass participation, not capital.
We do not sell broadcast rights, nor do we rely on ticket revenue. Instead, we enable the masses to benefit directly from the event's popularity. At the venues, villagers can set up stalls to sell agricultural products and local delicacies without paying any fees to the government. This allows visitors to enjoy authentic local food at affordable prices, while boosting villagers' incomes. With a low threshold and widespread participation, "Cun Chao" has attracted followers nationwide and even overseas, with its popularity even surpassing that of the Olympics and the World Cup.
We stay cautious with capital, but do not entirely reject commercial partnerships. No matter what, our adherence to people-oriented and mass-driven principles never changes. Beyond competition, our "Cun Chao" also integrates intangible cultural heritage elements like Dong ethnic songs, ethnic dances, traditional festivals and attire. When the event concludes, we open our stage nationwide to showcase regional culture. This makes "Cun Chao" a concentrated demonstration of mass culture.
"Cun Chao" serves as a window into China's modernization, rural revitalization and poverty alleviation. Here, football is more than sports, but also a medium for good merits, joyful play, and an economy of happiness. Our approach and principles embody the people-oriented philosophy of respecting mass creativity.
We sincerely invite everyone to experience Rongjiang firsthand to enjoy its unique charm.