Representatives make speeches at the symposium. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The Symposium for Chinese Foreign Friends Celebrating the 15th National Games was held on Oct 26 at Tianhe Sports Center in Guangzhou. The games in 2025 will be the first national sports event jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

As a key venue, Guangzhou aims to showcase China's sporting spirit and the city's charm while promoting international cultural exchange and cooperation.

This symposium aims to foster in-depth communication among participants from home and abroad in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. It will explore topics such as sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and the development of youth sports.

Zhan Decun, director of the foreign affairs office of the people’s government of Guangzhou municipality, emphasized the profound historical connection between Guangzhou and the National Games. He noted that the 15th National Games will mark the third time Guangzhou has held them, following the sixth session in 1987 and the ninth in 2001.

Zhan said Guangzhou has consistently promoted the symbiotic growth of sports and the city.

Annisa Syanindit, an overseas student at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies from Indonesia, praised the affordability and relaxed nature of sports in Guangzhou. She recounted playing table tennis with a local resident, highlighting how the sport bridges age and cultural gaps.

Xie Shuibin, deputy director of the Guangzhou foreign affairs office, unveiled that Guangzhou is going all out to prepare for the 15th National Games. The city is also hosting a series of casual events to attract the participation of more Chinese and overseas friends in Guangzhou.

"We hope that through the universal language of sports, expats in Guangzhou can transcend age, status, and nationality, make new friends, and gain a deeper understanding of Guangzhou, the city where they work and live together," Xie said.