#China #Friendship #Chengdu #World Games 2025

A Heartfelt Goodbye: Celebrating Friendship at TWG 2025

On August 17, 2025, The World Games 2025 Chengdu (TWG 2025) officially concluded, marking an end to an incredible event that fostered international collaboration and showcase of athleticism. According to reports from Hongxing News, as the curtains fell on this significant gathering, journalists gathered from around the globe to show appreciation for the tireless volunteers who served as media assistants throughout the games, creating deep meaningful connections that transcended language and borders.

A Token of Appreciation

As a testament to their camaraderie, many journalists presented thoughtful gifts to these devoted volunteers. Each souvenir symbolized the appreciation and friendships that bloomed over the more than ten days spent together. The personal touch of each gift served to commemorate shared experiences, late-night discussions, and moments of laughter amidst the hustle and bustle of the Games.

One such gift was a handwritten postcard addressed to Wei Yongjia, a media assistant, from a Czech journalist reflecting on the collaboration. The journalist expressed immense gratitude for Wei's help and support, stating, "Whenever I think of TWG in Chengdu, I will remember you." Such sentiments echoed throughout the event, showcasing the profound impact these volunteers had on their international counterparts.

Bridging Cultures

During TWG 2025, the media assistants acted as vital links for journalists, providing essential interpretation, logistical support, and valuable insight into local culture. Liu Jingye and Shi Ziyue, volunteers from Southwest Jiaotong University assigned to the Japanese-language group, recalled a moment when they helped Japanese journalists rectify an urgent registration issue. The journalists, with gratitude etched on their faces, bowed deeply to thank Liu, leaving him with a memorable token of appreciation – small mirrors gifted from Japan. As Shi noted, prior online interactions had already established familiarity, creating a sense of cultural connection even before their arrival in Chengdu.

Friendships Forged in Volunteer Work

Duan Haisuan, a volunteer in the French-language support group, also experienced the joy of international friendship. A French journalist she assisted immortalized a moment with a candid photo showing her resting during a busy day at the Games. Between her duties, they explored local sites like Chunxi Road and the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. When the journalist warmly declared, "Now you have a friend in France—it's me," it epitomized the unexpected bonds formed during this grand event.

Growth and Perspective

For the volunteers, mostly university and graduate students, participating in the TWG was not just a matter of service; it was a transformative experience. Wei Yongjia emphasized the unique opportunity presented by the event, which provided structured training and hands-on experience. Each volunteer was not just part of the Games’ operational success but also witnessed the spirit of international camaraderie.

Duan articulated how these moments broadened her understanding of global connections: "Seeing athletes embrace after fierce competitions, sharing joy with coaches and audiences was incredibly motivating, pushing me to hone my studies and pursue larger platforms that would allow the world to see the spirit of young Chinese individuals."

As Liu and Shi noted, the city of Chengdu has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the hosting of major international events like TWG leading to enhanced sports facilities and a more vibrant local culture around fitness.

Lasting Bonds

The conclusion of TWG 2025 may mark the end of an event, but it is far from the end of friendships made. The heartfelt messages written on postcards and the small tokens exchanged will traverse distances, reminding both volunteers and journalists of the wonderful memories shared in Chengdu. As the world moves on, these connections will continue to inspire new stories and friendships, illustrating the enduring power of culture, camaraderie, and mutual respect that defines global events like TWG 2025.