Chinese and expat volunteers serve at National Games mass chess events

Ekaterina Denisenko from Moscow, a student at Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU), was seen guiding athletes during the mass chess events of the 15th National Games on Sunday.

Ekaterina Denisenko receives interviews on Sunday. Photos courtesy of Luohu District

From September to November, more than 1,200 top athletes from across the country will compete for 24 gold medals in four mass events at the 15th National Games — Go, Chinese chess, international chess, and bridge — in Luohu District.

Before the events, Ekaterina and other volunteers attended training sessions. “I have already taken part in over a dozen volunteering activities in Luohu District. Each time, I have a very different feeling,” said Denisenko in an interview on Sunday.

She mentioned that through this volunteering experience, she has met many Chinese friends and learned more about Chinese culture. She hopes to contribute more to the events with her professionalism.

An on-site view of the chess events of the 15th National Games.

At the event venue — Shenzhen Chess Academy — many volunteers like Denisenko were serving at their positions, providing professional assistance to participants.

Ma Ruoqi, another volunteer from SMBU, said, “We have undergone multiple online and offline training sessions, covering everything from volunteer service standards to medical first aid and fire safety knowledge.”

She expressed great enthusiasm for volunteer work and was drawn to the model of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao trio jointly hosting a large-scale comprehensive sports event for the first time. “I hope to participate personally and use my modest efforts to become a bridge of friendship connecting Hong Kong, Macao, and the mainland.”