The 2024 Toronto Inaugural Senior Fitness Games and Press Conference Successfully Held

On the afternoon of June 16, 2024, the 2024 Toronto Inaugural Senior Fitness Games Press Conference, organized by the Multicultural Exchange Center and co-hosted by the Federation of Canadian Chinese Associations, was successfully held at the Stephen Leacock Community Centre Hall.

Amanda Yeung, City Councillor for Markham’s Ward 6, attended the event and delivered a congratulatory speech. Federal Member of Parliament Jean Yip also sent a letter of congratulations.

Distinguished guests at the press conference included Zhou Zhijun, Secretary-General of the Federation of Canadian Chinese Associations; co-presidents Huang Lan and Shen Xieyuan; and Zhao Changchun, President of the Canadian Federation of Chinese Alumni Associations. Also present were the event’s directors, Ms. Zhang Xiaoyan and Mr. Gan Kezheng.

Representatives from over ten community organizations attended the press conference, along with judges for the three major competition categories, all of whom are renowned experts in their respective fields.

At the press conference, Xiaoping Hao, President of the Multicultural Exchange Center, spoke first. She provided a detailed overview of the preparations for the inaugural Toronto Senior Fitness Games and expressed gratitude to Councillor Amanda Yeung for attending on Father’s Day, a special occasion. She also thanked the Federation of Canadian Chinese Associations for co-hosting the event, which has significantly expanded its reach. Hao praised the strong support and enthusiastic participation of various community organizations.

Councillor Amanda Yeung then delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the importance of the games in promoting physical fitness and health awareness, particularly for middle-aged and elderly individuals. She highlighted how such activities can enhance well-being, foster social integration, and reduce the risk of illness.

Zhao Changchun, President of the Canadian Federation of Chinese Alumni Associations, commended the high level of enthusiasm from participating teams and the meticulous preparation by the organizers. He noted that this pioneering event in the Greater Toronto Area will have far-reaching significance.

Zhou Zhijun, Secretary-General of the Federation of Canadian Chinese Associations, expressed gratitude to the Multicultural Exchange Center for the opportunity to co-host the games and pledged increased support. He also announced the upcoming Dragon Year Mid-Autumn Food Carnival, organized by the federation, where the awards ceremony and performances for the fitness games will take place. Zhou encouraged more teams to participate and make this Mid-Autumn Festival a meaningful celebration.

Annie Huang, Vice President of the Multicultural Exchange Center, introduced the three main categories of the games:

1. Tai Chi Competitions: Including health qigong, tai chi, sword and fan routines, and tai chi wellness staff.

2. Fitness Competitions: Featuring aerobics, group exercises, health dances, square dances, softball exercises, fitness ball routines, waist drumming, patting exercises, and yoga.

3. Line Dance and Latin Dance Competitions: Including group dances, line dances, Latin dance duos, street dances, power dances, and waltzes.

   
   

Huang also introduced the judges for each category and emphasized that the primary goal of the games is participation and exchange, not competition. The event’s slogan is Live Healthily and Happily, Embrace a Colorful Life!

May Wang from the Multicultural Exchange Center announced the list of participating teams to date. Leaders from various community organizations were introduced, receiving warm applause from the audience.

Representatives from participating teams, including Luo Yan of the Dongfengcai Multicultural Arts Troupe and Liu Aifen of the Ruby Arts Troupe, expressed their support for the games and their commitment to training diligently to deliver high-quality performances.

The preliminary rounds of the games will take place on July 20, followed by the finals on August 24, and the awards ceremony on September 15. Each category will feature five awards: Best Organization, Best Performance, Most Energetic, Most Popular, and Best Originality.

The press conference concluded with a lively Q&A session, during which President Xiaoping Hao addressed questions from journalists and participating teams. Attendees took a group photo, officially marking the launch of the games.

Let us look forward to this grand event in the Chinese-Canadian community and wish the 2024 Toronto Inaugural Senior Fitness Games a resounding success!

    ----This article is excerpted from the Canadian Chinese Radio Fan Network, posted by Mary.