Remembering Chengdu and the Chinese people

The Chengdu World Games was supposedly a peek at the borders of human excellence in sports, an exhibit of pure grit and brawn, all in one gathering with much pride and honor at stake.

- RAMON RAFAEL BONILLA

It was where 110 nations converged to fight for medals in 36 non-Olympic disciplines, with China — the 12th host of the quadrennial event — putting together a work built on millions of dollars in budget, a grand display of its structural might, and an exceedingly modern application of sensible technology from security, transportation, to robotic dogs.

But the hosting marked by extravagance and adorned by stories of victories and camaraderie could only serve as a backdrop to the rather interesting spectacle of Chinese kindness and hospitality, one that could overshadow the grandeur of the arenas and the polishing of every detail the visitors surely envied and envisioned in their own countries.

It was a showcase of the people behind the scenes.