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The
"Colorado Yaks" is a local Tibetan soccer team in
the Boulder-Denver area. The name "Colorado Yaks"
is the brainchild of local Tibetan soccer fanatics, who are
always ready to jump into the soccer field and play so hard
that they forget to eat their lunches. The combination of "Colorado"
and "Yaks" is not a coincidence. Colorado has a historic
tie with Tibet, since Colorado Springs is the place where members
of the Tibetan resistance group, "Four River Six Ranges",
were trained by the CIA in the wake of the Chinese invasion
of Tibet. Yaks are symbolic to Tibetans and Tibet supporters
throughout the globe. As the national animal of Tibet, yaks
are often celebrated and cherished not only for their resourcefulness
and enormous strength, but also for their peaceful nature. |
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Soccer for Tibetans is not only a game but also a very important
way to socialize. After days of hard work, Colorado Yaks players
anxiously wait for Sunday, the day when they meet for the game.
During the breaks between games, they delve into various sorts
of discussion ranging from nostalgic stories of their hometowns
back in Tibet, India, and Nepal to the local politics of the
host country. Some Tibetan community leaders take the opportunity
to make announcements about upcoming events. Family members
often come to cheer and have a good time. Furthermore, Colorado
Yaks has the potential to become an important arena for political
actions. Games and sports have historically played a significant
role in the lives of oppressed people to express resistance
against the oppressors and gain international visibility for
their cause. Colorado Yaks is one such avenue for the Tibetans
to represent their community. |
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Colorado Yaks and the Utah Community Soccer team in 2003 |
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