ⓒ 2002 WATV

On Oct. 15, 50 supporters of Church of God gave Iranian athletes a hearty send-off. Holding a big placard written, "We congratulate you on your soccer team's reaching the finals!" and lots of pickets with congratulatory words written both in Korean and Iranian, the supporters bade farewell to about 700 Iranian athletes and they responded to the supporters, "Thank you, Korea."


Iranian athletes' admiration of green-colored supporters

On Oct. 9, in Busan Asiad Main Stadium were held athletics; the cheering section was covered with various-colored uniforms and cheering words for every country, and there about 200 green-colored people were supporting intensively Iran team. Their supporting produced a deep impression on Iranian athletes.

As they were so warmly received in a foreign country, Iranian tourists who were cheering their team joined the supporters. Among them there were Iranian professors of physical education colleges; they visited Korea to acquire the know-how to manage the athletic meetings.


Iranian university professors' shout of "Corea! Iran!"

ⓒ 2002 WATV

Captivated by Korean supporters' warm hospitality, Iranian professors cried in excitement, 'Mashala Mashala Iran!' or 'Thank you, Korea!'

Iran Female Table Tennis Association president, who is also an Iranian physical education college professor, said, "I've never met such a kind people before. For the first time in my life, I received such a hearty welcome and hospitality." He added, "You are contributing to the world peace beyond sport. You are the best people of the world, and your country will be above every nation."


Union of Korea and Iran watched by the whole Asia

ⓒ 2002 WATV

On Oct. 13, in the final soccer game between Iran and Japan, the Iranian athletes and the supporters of Church of God were moved to the extreme. Iranian staffs, who recognized the importance of support, asked Church of God to support their team. Their support overwhelmed the supporters for Japan. An Iran Embassy staff, who joined the supporters of Church of God, said, "Though Korea had lost to Iran in the semifinal game, Korean supporters ardently cheered the Iran team. We marveled at their mature civic consciousness." And an Iranian, who introduced himself as a student, got excited and said in Korean, "Wonderful Korean!"

Every moment the Iran team played a good game, the Korean supporters and Iranians threw themselves into each other's arms and rejoiced together. And this was simultaneously broadcasted to Asian countries by NHK and Taiwan Broadcasting, etc.


Iran team's providing VIP tickets as a proof of gratitude
(They desired the supporters of Church of God to participate in the farewell party)

ⓒ 2002 WATV

The Iranian athletes provided the supporters of Church of God with 20 VIP tickets in token of their gratitude. And a Busan City official, who noticed the Iran team's special favor toward the supporters of Church of God, officially asked Church of God to be host at the farewell party.

The official, being anxious to promote people-to-people diplomacy, said, "Iran is now the target of many countries, because it has great market potential in trade. Our neighboring country Japan is also making every effort to form a friendship with Iran through this Asian Games." He added, "The Iran team desires the supporters of Church of God to participate in the farewell party more fervently than we. The supporters of Church of God made a great contribution to Korea through non-governmental diplomacy."