A bicycle tour called "Rescue Persecuted Youths," composed of twelve teenagers, arrived in Taoyuan, Taiwan on the morning of August 9, 2004. The team members and local youth Falun Gong practitioners visited the county government, Wenchuang High School, and Hsien Ching-Hsi Junior High School. They also gave a talent show and folded paper lotus flowers in the walking business district near the east gate of downtown Taoyuan. Their activities were supported by Mr. Huang, Deputy Governor of Taoyuan County, school principals, County Standing Committee members, and the public. The serious violation of children's human rights in China and the persecution of Falun Gong received great attention.

A Falun Gong practitioner from Minghui School in Taozhumiao said the bicycle tour visited the county government to express their gratitude for the government's support of Falun Gong practitioners, and to expose the extension of the cruel persecution within the Chinese education system, where even innocent children are not spared. Moreover, they hoped to tell people about the wonderful effects of Falun Gong in improving health and morality.

Mr. Huang, Deputy Governor, said Falun Gong practitioners' unyielding spirit and compassion reminded him of Gandhi and Sakyamuni. Falun Gong's rationality and peacefulness reminded him of Gandhi. Practitioners have been spreading "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" despite the persecution, just like when Sakyamuni came back to save Kali, who had dismembered Sakyamuni. Such unselfish compassion has been embodied in hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong practitioners. Mr. Huang said he hoped the glory of Falun Gong would be brought back to his homeland of China soon. He wished the bicycle tour a great success.

A Falun Gong practitioner presents a banner from "Friends of Falun Gong" to Mr. Huang, Deputy Governor of Taoyuan County

Mr. Huang and the bicycle tour team

The bicycle tour was warmly welcomed by the principals of Wenchang and Hsien Ching-Hsi Junior High School. Ms. Li, principal of Wenchang High School, said no persecution should be tolerated. She praised Falun Gong practitioners as angels who spread the message of compassion to every corner of the world. Ms. Li admired the parents of these "little angels" in the bicycle tour for supporting this extraordinary activity, while most parents only focus on improving their children's grades. She said establishing a Falun Gong organization in the school was worth consideration. Mr. Wang, principal of Hsien Ching-Hsi Junior High School, expressed his admiration for the noble spirit and ideals of Falun Gong practitioners. He encouraged those in the bicycle tour.

Students of Wenchang High School lined up to welcome the bicycle tour

Principal Li of Wenchang High School and youth Falun Gong practitioners

Principal Wang of Hsien Ching-Hsi Junior High School and youth Falun Gong practitioners

The bicycle tour team held a paper lotus flower folding activity in the walking business district, and many people joined them. Ms. Yang Li-huan, a Legislative Committee Member who used to be a school teacher, appeared in person to encourage Falun Gong practitioners despite her busy schedule. She said that those in political power should not be driven by desire for personal gain and shed the blood of innocent people of faith. She said "Truthfulness-Compassion-Forbearance" was definitely good, and remarked that her nephew was previously very stubborn, but he had changed a lot under the influence of a teacher who practiced Falun Gong. She considered self-cultivation as a great help to busy people in this modern society. Those who have a rich spirit can calmly face busy lives without getting lost.

Let's fold paper lotuses together and pass on our good wishes

Legislative Committee Member Yang Li-huan encourages Falun Gong practitioners

Young Falun Gong practitioner plays the cello in talent show

Young Falun Gong practitioners sing songs in talent show