CCTV, China's most important TV broadcast company, has launched its second annual campaign to elect people who have inspired China in 2003. Of the 24 candidates for the Inspirational Person of the Year award, only two are from show business: Jackie Chan and Tai Lihua, a deaf-mute dancer.

The selection campaign targets people with different occupations, backgrounds and experience. Some of them are well-known and others are little-known. But what they have done must be an inspiration to China and its people.

Five medical workers - two of them dead - comprise the largest percentage of the candidates. Astronaut Yang Liwei, Chen Zhonghe, the head coach for the Chinese women's volleyball team that has just won a World Cup title, and scientist Qian Xuesen were also nominated.

According to CCTV, Chan was selected because, "as an actor, he has made the Chinese film industry famous thoroughout the world. He has helped open a window for the world to understand China, with a persistent pursuit of his cause and his indomitable work spirit. As a public figure, he has influenced other people with his patriotic passion and a loving heart for society. He has helped transmit warmth among people in a time of ultimate need."

To boost Beijing's tourism after the SARS outbreak died down, Chan starred in a promotional video for free. For the Olympic Games 2008, which will be held in Beijing, Chan has been chosen as one of the two people to escort the Olympic Torch relay.

Ten people will be finally chosen from the candidates.

(Shenzhen Daily November 21, 2003)