Exhibition celebrates 1st anniversary of Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai

chinadaily.com.cn| May 19, 2025
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A photo exhibition commemorating the first anniversary of the Olympic Qualifier Series' Shanghai leg takes place at West Bund in Xuhui district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A photo exhibition commemorating the first anniversary of the Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS)'s Shanghai leg is taking place at West Bund in Xuhui district, revisiting the sporting spectacle and urban vitality of last year's event.

Held from May 17 to 31, the exhibition features 100 images across five themed sections, capturing the athletic prowess of competitors and the dynamic atmosphere of the event, which hosted over 460 elite athletes from more than 120 countries and regions, drawing 45,000 spectators.

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A photo exhibition commemorating the first anniversary of the Olympic Qualifier Series' Shanghai leg is taking place at West Bund in Xuhui district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Through photographers' lenses, the exhibition immortalizes not only the competitors' triumphs but also the carnival-like ambiance, bustling activity zones, and food markets that defined the event.

"These images are time capsules, reigniting the passion of last May's historic event. They showcase Shanghai's innovative spirit and openness through athletes' dedication, the lively atmosphere, and the energy of this city," said Luo Wenhua, deputy director general of the Shanghai Administration of Sports.

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A photo exhibition commemorating the first anniversary of the Olympic Qualifier Series' Shanghai leg is taking place at West Bund in Xuhui district. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Li Tianyang, the exhibition's curator and senior editor at local media Xinmin Evening News, said: "Looking back through these photographs isn't just about nostalgia — it's about recharging our collective energy to propel Shanghai's vibrant urban spirit into the future."

The OQS Shanghai 2024 not only revitalized youth-oriented sports such as BMX freestyle, breaking, sport climbing, and skateboarding, but also established a lasting legacy with the FISE World Series, a global extreme sports tour from France now permanently rooted in the West Bund mixed-use hub of art, technology, and recreation.

As 2025's first major event of Shanghai's signature sports-culture initiative since 2019, the exhibition underscores the city's commitment to fostering cultural exchange. With nearly 40 offline and online activities to date, including panel discussions, live broadcasts, and theatrical performances, the initiative has reached over 10 million viewers.

 

 

 

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