On October 17, 2021, the Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival concluded.

The main stage of the festival was at the landmark Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Pudong New Area, from where a riverside walk competition started on Oct. 17. The route of the walk competition passed by Shanghai's historical and modern landmarks, including the skyscrapers in Lujiazui Financial Center, the time-honored exotic architecture on the Bund and the buildings at Shanghai Expo Park.

　　The organization of the festival strictly followed anti-pandemic requirements.

　　Israel Saraiva, consul general of Portugal in Shanghai

The competition also attracted many expats to take part in the event. Israel Saraiva, consul general of Portugal in Shanghai, is also a sports enthusiast. He swims almost every day and, after work, he often likes to walk around Shanghai."The Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival not only brings people closer to each other, but also enables more people to fall in love with sports and understand sports," said Israel Saraiva as the walk competition leader.

　　Yoana Perez (middle), wife of the consul general of Cuba in Shanghai, participated in the competition with her second son

　　Sara Ferrando from the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai

"I have enough time to enjoy the scenery along the way that I have never seen before, as there is no ranking in the walk competition ", said Sara Ferrando from the Consulate General of Italy in Shanghai.

　　Renker Stephan Sebastian (left), German language teacher from Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), and Morando Ylenia (right), Italian language teacher from SISU

　　Justin O'Jack, chief representative of the University of Virginia China Office

Ylenia Morando is an Italian language teacher from SISU. In addition to hiking and running, Ylenia, who regards Shanghai as her second home, also enjoys biking through the city. She believes that she can gain a deeper understanding of Shanghai in this way. Justin O'Jack, chief representative of the University of Virginia China Office, who has been a year-round resident in Shanghai since 2003, likes to play pingpong very much. In his opinion, Shanghai is an attractive city.“What an active and health-conscious city it is”, Justin commented. He used to get up early every morning and do Tai Chi in the park.“I can see many old people dancing, jogging, walking or doing Tai Chi there. It's not just one person taking exercise. It’s inspiring”, said Justin.

　　Many expats take part in the event

　　As long as you successfully reach the finish line, you receive a medal

　　At the finish line, food and drinks specially prepared by the organizing committee

In addition to the walk competition, the taekwondo competition, rope skipping, sports dance and roller skating competitions were held in turn, allowing participants of different age groups to experience the charm of various sports. Nearly 2,000 participants from all over the world took part in the festival as individuals and in units of families, societies and enterprises.

　　Everyone can participate in sports activities, and have a great time in the 2021 Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival

Jointly organized by the Shanghai Sports Federation and the Shanghai People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the two-day festival aims to create a "healthier, happier and more harmonious" urban sports atmosphere.

(Photos: 2021 Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival)