With the Olympic Games being held in a communist country for the first time since 1980, hopes are high that the games will help China turn the corner in international relations and provide better living conditions for its people. However, many people are skeptical of China’s intentions with the Olympics and believe that the games will be used as a propaganda campaign for the Chinese Government. As a result, several protests have popped up around the country regarding China’s human rights issues, including how they handle Tibet. Although people have suggested a boycott by American athletes in Beijing, most people seem to believe that a bigger statement could be made by the athletes in attendance. 
Aside from the political issues China has, pollution is a major problem in China. The country is host to 13 of the 18 most polluted cities in the world. As the article points out, marathon runner Haile Gebrselassie has elected to not participate in the games, citing his concerns about the pollution problem. Hopefully athletes will take a stand in Beijing and use the games as a platform to voice their opinions on China’s political policies and environmental issues. With China being Sudan’s biggest trading partner, there will be a chance for athletes to shine a light on the atrocities occurring in Darfur and hopefully spark change in the region.
Aside from the political issues China has, pollution is a major problem in China. The country is host to 13 of the 18 most polluted cities in the world. As the article points out, marathon runner Haile Gebrselassie has elected to not participate in the games, citing his concerns about the pollution problem. Hopefully athletes will take a stand in Beijing and use the games as a platform to voice their opinions on China’s political policies and environmental issues. With China being Sudan’s biggest trading partner, there will be a chance for athletes to shine a light on the atrocities occurring in Darfur and hopefully spark change in the region.
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