The Shanghai Station of the Paris Olympic Qualification Series is set to kick off from the 16th to the 19th of May at the Huangpu Riverside, with preparations now complete for the highly anticipated event. The competition venues have been meticulously arranged to meet the standards set by the International Olympic Committee and International Sports Federations.
The Olympic Qualification Series is a key component of the “Olympic 2020+5 Agenda”, introduced by the International Olympic Committee to combine sports events with urban culture. This series includes break dancing, rock climbing, skateboarding, and freestyle BMX competitions, with four major events and six sub-categories taking place across two global stops. The outcomes of these competitions will impact the qualifications of athletes in these sports for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Alongside the sporting events, an urban sports festival incorporating sports, art, music, and culture will be held to immerse spectators in the vibrant Olympic atmosphere. Shanghai has been selected as one of the host cities for the first Olympic Qualification Series, with the bidding process starting in February 2023 and the city completing all necessary submissions by the end of May that year.
Director of the Shanghai Sports Bureau, Xu Bin, expressed the city’s commitment to promoting urban sports projects and leveraging the Olympic Qualification Series to enhance Shanghai’s international reputation as a sports destination. The integration of sports and culture in major events aims to stimulate economic activity in areas such as tourism, commerce, and entertainment, benefiting both visitors and locals alike.
More than 1,200 volunteers have been recruited for the Shanghai Station of the Olympic Qualification Series, with overwhelming interest from college students and citizens eager to contribute to the event. After a rigorous selection process, over 800 student volunteers from prestigious universities and 400 social volunteers have been enlisted to support the smooth running of the competition.
The stage is set for an exciting and unforgettable Olympic Qualification Series in Shanghai, as the city prepares to welcome athletes, spectators, and volunteers for a celebration of sports, culture, and community spirit.