Article
Liao Changkang
Liao Changkang was lucky enough to be at the Games opening ceremony thanks to a ticket won by his son on the internet.
Photo: Edwin Lee
Engineer Liao Changkang is from Yibin, in Sichuan Province. His Olympics offered far more than he could ever have expected – a ringside seat at the opening ceremony itself, courtesy of a lottery win by his son. To top it all, Liao turned 60 on August 8, 2008.
So how did you get a ticket for one of the most sought-after shows of the century?
My son won it in an internet lottery. He registered online and actually won one, paying just 800 yuan for it. He lives in England, and because of his work he can't always go abroad when he wants to. And because my 60th birthday is on the same day – he gave it to me! It was a very auspicious day, to say the least. The start of the Olympics, not only on my birthday but on my 60th birthday, and then a ticket to the opening ceremony.
What does your son, Liao Li, do in England?
He's an economist. He studied in Cambridge. He is now 28, and comes back to China to see us whenever he can.
How long before the Olympics did he tell you he was going to give you this present?
Oh, about two months beforehand I think.
What was your reaction?
Of course I was over the moon. I couldn't believe it.
And what did you think of the show?
Incredible. Fantastic. It showed what China can do. It was much better than I had even imagined it could be. It had so much history in it, and made me feel really proud of China and China's history. All of it is really good for our country. I love these big sporting events, the football World Cup, and so on, but this is the most important one. It will be so good for China's future, we can build up from this.
Have you called your son to tell him about the show?
Yes, and how grateful I was. I also rang my wife.
Is she at home in Sichuan?
Yes.
Isn't she envious?
No, she is very happy for me.
You come from Sichuan. Was your hometown affected by the earthquake?
We felt it. My home rocked from side to side. But it wasn't in the really serious part, no. None of my family or friends was hurt so we were very lucky.