Bach appointed honorary professor of Shanghai University of Sport-Xinhua

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach answers media during a press conference at the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai media center in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/He Changshan)

SHANGHAI, May 19 (Xinhua) — Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was appointed honorary professor of Shanghai University of Sport here on Sunday.

Bach attended the on-campus ceremony during his visit to Shanghai for the Olympic Qualifier Series, and shared a keynote with students, faculty and other guests.

“Shanghai University of Sport plays a very important role in supporting Olympic values ​​and education. I would like to sincerely thank the Chinese Olympic Committee and all the companies and support to make this happen,” Bach noted.

“You will bring the Olympic values ​​of excellence, respect, peace and solidarity to the next generation of athletes, coaches, teachers and professionals. You promote these ideas about sports in society and bring them to life,” he added.

“Many students from our university are volunteering at the Olympic Qualifier Series here in Shanghai. I met some of them at the hotel and on site. It was a heart-warming experience with their enthusiasm and dedication.”

Gao Zhidan and Yu Zaiqing, President and Vice President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, IOC Vice President Ser Miang NG and IOC Members Li Lingwei and Zhang Hong also attended the ceremony.

The IOC chief then visited the China Table Tennis College and the Institute of Olympic Studies and Research, where he interacted with young athletes and students and experienced the table tennis robot.

The inaugural Olympic Qualifier Series, taking place from May 16 to 19 in Shanghai and from June 20 to 23 in Budapest, will feature 464 athletes in BMX freestyle cycling, braking, skateboarding and sport climbing, with more than 150 quota places up for grabs in the Parisian competition. 2024 Olympic Games.

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), answers media during a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), answers media during a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), answers media during a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach listens to the media during a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), answers media during a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach responds at a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), answers media during a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)

Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), answers media during a press conference at the media center of the Olympic Qualifier Series Shanghai in Shanghai, east China, May 19, 2024. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)