China Denies Work Visa Application For Team Darfur Member

Zanotto Says China Has Refused Her Visa Application

U.S. Bronze Medal-winning synchronized swimmer Kendra Zanotto, who is planning to cover the Beijing Games as a reporter for the Olympic News Service, said that the Chinese government Monday refused her visa application "because of her affiliation with Team Darfur," according to Elliott Almond of the SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS. The China consulate "didn't tell her why her application was denied," but the firm "that handled her hiring told Zanotto the government was uncomfortable with the affiliation to Team Darfur." Consulate spokesperson Defa Tong said that "denying visas without explanation is common around the world." Tong: "If denied, it is not necessary to give any reason." Zanotto -- who also is a member of Right to Play, an athletes' group that raises money for impoverished children -- "had no plans to protest China's policy of 'non-interference' with the Sudanese government." Almond noted 73 members of Team Darfur are "expected to compete in Beijing," and Tong said that "no member of an Olympic team would be denied entry into China for the Games." U.S. Gold Medal-winning speedskater Joey Cheek, who founded Team Darfur, said of the China government, "They accuse us of playing politics. I don't think anybody has played more politics with the Olympics than the Chinese have" (SAN JOSE MERCURY NEWS, 7/23).