Joey Cheek Blogs about his Recent Media Attention

August 8th, 2008

This account was actually set up so that I could blog from Beijing, but as many of you have probably seen my visa was revoked by the Chinese government less than 24 hours before my flight was to depart. It is of course disappointing to me, but I am not alone. Brad Greiner, Kendra Zanotto, and Chris Boyles all had visas revoked or denied. I find this very concerning because I believe that it is an effort to silence anyone who is even suspected of disagreeing with the Chinese government.

I remain a huge believer in the power of the Olympic Games to bring people together and to be a force for conflict resolution around the world. The athletes that have joined Team Darfur did so out of a sense that the more than 2 million men, women, and children, who have been driven from their homes in Darfur deserve protection. Brad and I founded Team Darfur because we feel trying to stop conflicts such as the one in Darfur are exactly what the Olympics are about.

The recent media attention that has been paid to my situation has given us a spotlight to focus on the plight of the people in Darfur, but we must continue to fight to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The story of this Olympic Games is certainly not finished, but I want to personally thank the more than 25,000 people who wrote to support the athletes competing in Beijing that are members of Team Darfur. I am moved by your words and I know that the athletes are too.

Best of luck to all the athletes - even though I am not there in body, I am rooting for you with all of my heart here in the States!

Comments

Send US troops to Darfur

Submitted by Ed Weinstein on August 13, 2008 - 5:57pm.

Hi Joey,

Is this cause about saving Darfur or criticizing China?

Why don't you ask our government to send troops to Darfur?

For China, if we let them access Iraq's oil, I am sure they will not be interested in stability in Darfur, and Sudan as a whole.

My post has been cencored on this blog site. I hope that human rights fighters also honor freedom of speech.

French solidarity

Submitted by Shi on August 11, 2008 - 10:31am.

Hello Joey,

I just wanted to tell you that in behalf of most french people, I really feel sad for your visa revocation. Unfortunately, I am not an athlete so I can't promote your fight as I would like, but I support you in all your initiatives and I am sure all the athletes in Beijing will do the same!!

Finaly, to evacuate your anger not be in China for the OG, you should go and tell the story about your visa on www.suchaniceday.com, because humour can sometimes be a usefull and powerfull weapon!!

Keep on and thank you for your fight!

Shi.

Sensorship never wins

Submitted by nathanS on August 10, 2008 - 11:59am.

Joey,

The ironic thing is that your declined visa is the reason I and many others heard about the Darfur crisis and want to fight back. Three days ago I had never heard of Darfur and Sudan. If you had made it to China I would have skimmed over the fact that a Darfur Boy was holding our flag but here I am versed in this genocide and wanting to fight back.

So thanks China for providing the catalyst required for world action against this issue

I'm sorry

Submitted by Trickie Liz on August 9, 2008 - 7:06pm.

Hi Joey

I am so sorry that you, and the other athletes of team Darfur got screwed over by the Chinese government this week. As an athlete I am so inspired by the athletes in this organization who have decided to use their success to selflessly help other's in need. I really look up to all of you.The Chinese government thinks that they are making an example of the athletes they tried to punish, when in acutality they are making people who werent aware of what is going on in Darfur, and what kind government China really has.Keep doing what you are doing. You all are wonderful role models for athletes around the world. I will continue to support you all.

Team Darfur and Exhibit Darfur at the DNC

Submitted by gristudios on August 9, 2008 - 5:29pm.

Joey,
I and my staff are truly sorry to hear about the China incident. I imagine that you and your colleagues are torn with your soul connection and pride with the Olympics and your passion to save the people of Darfur. Although we appreciate the level of sacrifice and horrible display of power and censorship by China, we are amazed at the resulting publicity and awareness of Team Darfur and letting the world know what’s happening in Darfur, and Chinese influence through money and weapons. Their act of censorship has amplified your voice and that of Team Darfur beyond anything that the sponsors could buy.

I am with GRI Studios and Ditto gallery. We are putting on an intense art exhibit in Denver called Exhibit Darfur during the Democratic National Convention. Our platform of awareness is less athletic and more artistic, but with the same goals of ending genocide in Sudan. Exhibit Darfur is a photographic journey through the lens of 4 photographers Mia Farrow, Brian Steidle, Aaron Cohen, and Izabela Lundberg through Darfur, shining a deafening light on the genocide, slavery, and torture. The Opening Reception is August 25^th from 5-9pm. The reception is the first night of the DNC, and the night will be filled with VIP’s (Senators, Darfur Activists, Darfuri survivors, Celebrities, Media, and Humanitarians). More details about the exhibit are at www.exhibitdarfur.com.

I’d like to personally extend an invitation to you and your colleagues for the opening reception! Your sacrifice with the Olympics is honored, and your consideration of participation in Exhibit Darfur is appreciated.

Feel free to email me at jeffs@gristudios.com, or call at 303-289-9727.

The exhibit details are located at www.exhibitdarfur.com. The press materials are at http://www.dittogallery.com/press/August.html.

I look forward to your reply, consideration, and discussing the possibilities of collaboration with Team Darfur and Exhibit Darfur.

Sincerely,
Jeff Smith

The truth cannot be silenced

Submitted by bubbebobbie on August 9, 2008 - 6:40am.

Dear Mr Cheek,

China may think they were quieting the shouts of truth concerning Darfur and the many other human rights violations by keeping you home. In truth they just helped Team Darfur SHOUT Truth to the nations concerning China's respect for the Olympic Spirit and gave a louder and broader platform for the victims of genocide in Darfur.

I am broken hearted that like me you have to sit in front of your TV to watch Lopez carry in the flag, but when he did, all the world heard his story and Darfur won!

Evil did not triumph here but gave your voice a megaphone! Stand tall! You are a mighty tool in the hand of a mighty God!

Because of Jesus, Bobbie