Participants at the opening ceremony of the fourth Shanghai Citizen Games. [Photo by Li Junfeng/chinadaily.com.cn]

The fourth edition of the Shanghai Citizen Games commenced with a vibrant opening ceremony held at Shanghai Stadium on May 12, marking the beginning of a citywide sports extravaganza.

Gong Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, set the tone by addressing the enthusiastic crowd, emphasizing Shanghai's commitment to establishing itself as a globally renowned sports city. He highlighted the city's dedication to implementing a national fitness strategy and accelerating the development of an advanced public service system for fitness.

The Shanghai Citizen Games serves as a platform for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to engage in sports, promoting a healthy lifestyle, fostering the spirit of sportsmanship, and sharing the joy of athletic competition.

In addition to competitive events, the organizing committee curated exhibition areas on the second floor of Shanghai Stadium, providing a space for sports enthusiasts from all 16 districts to showcase their skills and advocate for healthy living. The displays featured a range of activities, including dragon boat racing, virtual sports simulations, American football demonstrations, and tai chi performances.

Expressing his perspective on the significance of the Citizen Games, Salvatore Landolina, an Italian participant representing the Shanghaied Dragons amateur dragon boat team, praised the event as a valuable opportunity for both children and adults to appreciate Shanghai's robust sports infrastructure. Landolina highlighted the accessibility of sports facilities throughout the city, underscoring the event's role in fostering community engagement with sports.

The launch of the Shanghai Citizen Games coincided with the commencement of the China Coordinates City Orienteering Challenge – 2024 Shanghai, drawing nearly 12,000 participants. This unique challenge involved athletes navigating through the city by visiting 141 designated landmarks, including popular tourist attractions, trending restaurants, and cultural and fashion exhibitions, while running or walking outdoors.

The fourth edition of the Shanghai Citizen Games is scheduled to run until November, promising months of exciting sports competitions and community engagement opportunities for residents across the city.