2011 SU Update: Shenzhen Mayor applauds the FISU-AIPS Young Reporters Program

Shenzhen Mayor Xu Qing shakes hands with one of the FISU-AIPS Young Reporters

SHENZHEN – As the manner of the profession, it is rare for journalists to shake hands with their news sources, especially the high profile people they cover their stories every day.

But the young journalists, participating in the FISU-AIPS programme had a chance to shake hands with the Shenzhen Mayor, Xu Qin, who had an opportunity to address the young journalists in an informal meeting, during today’s morning session.

‘Shenzhen is a young city and having so many young people, it gives us pleasure’ said the Mayor, in his welcoming note to the young journalists.

The Shenzhen Mayor thanked the reporters for coming to the city, ‘and we appreciate your reportage of the Universiade’ added the mayor.

He also congratulated the AIPS president, Gianni Merlo, for such an excellent programme, and further urged the young journalists ‘to use the programme to enrich their experiences and understanding about press and sport spirit’

‘Use the opportunity to deepen the friendship with the city, young athletes and the young citizens, which will help you build authority foundation of your future career’

The Mayor was also very optimistic with the possibility of exploring the great partnership between the city and AIPS, whereas he told the young reporters, ‘there are more opportunities to come to the city in the future’

The address was winded up with a moment of laughter when the Mayor asked if there is any young reporter who could at least speak five Chinese phrases, and there were few hands, one being the Young cameraman from Uganda, Arnold Ntambi, who struggled to pronounce some Chinese words in an English tone.

(Source: Mwita Mwaikenda, FISU-AIPS Young Reporter/Tanzania – Photos: C. Pierre/FISU)

AIPS President Merlo wiith Shenzhen Mayor Xu Qin