Expats from 16 countries, such as Canada, South Korea, Russia, Germany and Portugal, attended a sporting event in Jiaxing on Sept 16 to welcome the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games.

The first event was cycling around Xiuhu Lake. Each contestant had to cycle two laps and complete two games along the way. A 15-year-old South Korean and his father won first place. The teen said that Jiaxing has beautiful scenery and a good environment. He said he was interested in Asian Games events such as football.

Diego from Portugal teaches at a school in Jiaxing. He took his family to this event. He said that Jiaxing has many sports venues and a strong sports atmosphere. He works in physical education himself, so he has a keen interest in the Asian Games.

The 2023 Jiaxing Foreigner Sports Event features competitions for tennis, basketball, football and more. It will last until the end of October and aims to use sports as a medium to promote cultural exchange and friendship between Chinese people and foreigners.

Expats participate in a sports meet held in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/jiaxingren.com]