Message from the patron of
"TIBET IN MELBOURNE 2001"
"CHINA TIBETAN CULTURE WEEK"

Oct.16, 2001

I am delighted to have been invited to be Patron of "Tibet in Melbourne 2001"-China Tibetan Culture Week" and to again welcome this talented artistic group. These gifted people coming from China provide wonderful entertainment and continue to stimulate our own Australian artists and musicians with their imaginative and technical skills.

With the decision of the International Olympic Committee to award the Olympic Games in 2008 to Beijing, we can expect to witness even greater enthusiasm by our Chinese friends in giving the world an opportunity to share in their cultural traditions; Tibetan artistic activities will rank highly. The Olympic Games is a remarkable peace time event which combines culture with sport and all Australians will recall the wonderful cultural programme that surrounded Sydney's 2000 Olympic Games.

"Tibet in Melbourne 2001" will create a marvellous opportunity to participate in a wide range of programmes with our Tibetan friends and at the same time demonstrate the great diversity in backgroup of Australians in our City.

This exciting event will serve to strengthen the links between Austraian and China and I congratulate the Australian-Asia Culture & Arts Centre for their initative.

I look forward to you joining me in welcoming our talented International visitors.

R.KEVAN GOSPER
Vice president
International Olympic Committee