SHENZHEN, China -- He can't master many different languages, but he succeeded in reaching 70 countries all because of sports, a language that could be understood everywhere around the globe.
Nels Hawkinson, a former American basketball player, had left his footprint on 70 different countries until his appearance on Shenzhen the 26th summer Universiade.
"In the party I attended today, 150 countries formed one family, one group. We celebrate each other, and celebrate sport. Today, there is no black or white. There is no religion or politics, There, we are all athletes," said Hawkinson. "Sports is the only thing in the world can do that, and nothing else can bring people together like this."
The 70-country legend started in 1979. A 32-year-younger version of Hawkinson left home for the first time, as a basketball player. Representing the US team, his destination is China. A total different culture made him nervous, but when the ball was thrown into the air, the nervousness went away.
After the match against China, they two teams held a party. Although they can't communicate in one same language, they still joked and laughed as brothers.
"I mean, at that time I realize that it isn't bad. I can do this. I can't understand their language, but sport can do that thing."
From then on, he started doing basketball-related jobs all around the world.
