In celebration of the 30th anniversary of the setting up of the Shanghai Magnolia Award (an award especially given to foreigners who have made contributions to the city’s development) a running activity was held on the shore of the Shanghai Huangpu river on November 30, gathering 200 employees from foreign funded enterprises in Shanghai to participate in.

10 foreign funded companies whose leader has been awarded the Shanghai Magnolia Award took part in the 2019 Magnolia Huangpu International Elites Healthy Run. Organized by the Huangpu District government, the race is expected to extend the contact with the foreign contributors. At the opening ceremony, the Magnolia Huangpu Club was initiated, which will bring together more award winners to further contribute to the community.

Paul, a Frenchman working for the Pernod Ricard (China) Trading Company who has been in Shanghai for 13 years, was quite excited. It is the first time he has participated in such a running competition. Although he had no time to make proper preparation, he said the most important thing was the attitude of wanting to participate.

(Paul is warming up.)

"30 people from my company are participating in the running. This event is a commemoration event, and it is also a recognition of foreigners working in Shanghai. For me, it reflects our harmonious working relationship," said Paul.

In addition to the 3-kilometer race, a rowing machine challenge was also organized at the site for employees to have a showdown with competitors. Traditional Shanghai characterized games like iron ring pushing and modern games of “VR skiing and "VR racing" also attracted lots of people to experience and enjoy.

(People competing in the rowing machine challenge.)

(A foreign man is experiencing a traditional Shanghai game -- throwing a circle to ring items.)

For Yuri, an English guy, it is also the first time he has taken part in such a game. In his words, it is fun to set off from the starting point with everyone. The competition was well-organized and easy to participate in. The team members were cheering all around. “I like this competition and I feel like a great part of it. It’s good to be together with different companies and talk. I will participate again," Yuri said excitedly.

(Yuri is playing the game of iron ring pushing.)