MARCH FOR TIBET'S INDEPENDENCE 2008:

Press Release in English (pdf download)

Press Release in Chinese (pdf download)

ITIM is coordinating yet another "March for Tibet's Independence." The Wisconsin Tibetan Association and the Tibetan Alliance of Chicago are also helping with the implementation of this walk. This 185+ mile walk will start on July 25th at the Capitol Building (4 East Capitol Square) in Madison, Wisconsin. It will conclude at China's Consulate in Chicago (100 West Erie) on August 8th. The conclusion of this walk coincides with the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.

Jigme Norbu (son of Taktser Rinpoche and nephew of His Holiness The Dalai Lama) will once again participate as a way to further His father's lifelong effort to regain Tibet's independence.

This is the 14th major "March" or "Bike Ride" for Tibet's Independence organized by ITIM since 1995. To date, our walkers and bike riders have covered a distance of 3,440 miles or 5,536 kilometers in more than 338 days!

Why are we walking?

1. Because Tibet Belongs to Tibetans

2. For the Tibetans in Tibet

3. To educate people about the situation in Tibet

4. To advocate for the release of Gendhun Choekyi Nyima, The Panchen Lama

5. To advocate for the release of other Tibetan prisoners, particularly Tenzin Delek Rinpoche

6. To promote a Boycott of China's Goods

7. To advocate for democracy in China

8. For Tibet, Eastern Turkestan, Southern Mongolia, and Taiwan's independence