She cheers for China and loves gymnastics, but mostly likes to see profiles of the country she left behind when she moved to the U.S.

“I am very, very proud of China, but get homesick when I watch the games,” she said.

For Jofi Fernades, 26, of Port Arthur, it is football. Called soccer to U.S. fans, and football to the rest of the world, the game has captured Fernandes’ interest since he was a youngster. He played college football in India. He boasts a national certificate for his abilities on the field and remembers playing — and beating — Japan while in college.

Since moving to the U.S. he has kept up with many of the clubs from his homeland.

An employee of Fusion Grill in Port Arthur, Fernandes said he watches the 2008 Olympics every night, but has to wait until after the restaurant closes to turn the television set on.

If the U.S. played India, Fernandes admitted he’d be conflicted, but knew who he’d cheer for.

“It would be India for sure,” he said.

Indonesia native, Joe Suwandi, 23, now of Groves, watches the Olympics every night. On the Internet, he watched Indonesia win the gold in badminton doubles against China.

“I was proud of my country,’ he said.

Jackie Tang said when the games are over, he hopes people will remember why they were were started so many years ago.

“They are a symbol of people coming together as one in peace. If the whole world is at peace, then we are happy,” he said.

Contact this reporter at skoonce@panews.com.