Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee spotlights impressive contributions of volunteers

The Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee has spotlighted the remarkable contribution of the Games’ 37,600 volunteers noting their high-quality service as integral to the event which ran from 23rd September to 8th October 2023.

Whether before the opening ceremony or during the competition of the 19th Asian Games Hangzhou, there were many busy volunteers, including those at the Main Media Centre and the Stadiums.

Working in a variety of areas, including competition zone services, spectator services, media services, and logistics support services, the volunteers - known as "Xiaoqinghe" - provided high-quality services with “their bright smiles and happy faces being an important part of the scenery, adding colour to the Hangzhou Asian Games.”

Zhang Yuye, a volunteer at the Media Help Desk at Deqing Sports Center, said that although she was only 20 metres away from the auditorium, she had not watched a single game due to her volunteer commitments.

The Organising Committee added “even though her position is commonplace, it is still very important for her to provide support to media, to enable them to tell the world the stories of the games.”

Official dismissess Olympic Games bid claims
Following high praise over the staging the Asian Games, Hangzhou Deputy Mayor Chen Weiqiang has dismissed suggestions that the city should now bid to host the the Olympics.

The 56 venues used for the Games, including 12 newly built, have been considered as 'Olympic standard', suggesting Hangzhou has the capability of holding a future edition of the Games.

Hangzhou officials have expressed their desire to host multi-sport events but insist there has been no talk about a potential Olympic bid in the near future.

Chen, who is also Executive Secretary General of Hangzhou 2022, stated "the venues for the Asian Games are excellent.

"They were highly rated and they are eligible to hold large multi-sport events, including the Olympic Games.

"After the close of the Asian Games, what we are focused on is how the venues can be more even more extensively used by the people.

"We haven’t thought about whether we can hold the Olympic Games."