A sports-focused forum organized by the international community was held in Guangzhou on September 14, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among the city's foreign residents to engage with the upcoming 15th National Games.
The event, centered on sports business success, was hosted by Idea Exchange, a local networking group for expatriates and locals. It brought together sports entrepreneurs, long-term foreign residents, and professionals from across the city for an afternoon of insightful discussions and networking.
Group photo.
Against the backdrop of the 15th National Games—set to take place in November 2025 across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao—the forum served as a platform for sharing ideas on how international residents can actively participate in and benefit from one of China’s premier sporting events.
Audience posed question to speakers.
Nour Bani Hani, founder of gyms and host of strongman competitions, shared his vision of integrating sports business into the Games.
Having built his enterprise from scratch since 2006 in Guangzhou, Nour is eager to leverage the influx of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
"We plan to be part of the Games by sharing its spotlight. We will channel the influx of sports enthusiasts to our gyms by offering free passes and free cards and holding special programs like outdoor boot camps," he said.
The meetings brought together locally-based sports entrepreneurs.
"We want people to feel the sports spirit not only inside the 15th National Games venue but throughout the whole city. The 15th National Games will benefit us, and we will contribute by co-building the sports vibe and culture of the city."
Nour emphasized proactive involvement: "The best way to engage with the Games is to be part of it. Book a booth, put your name out there. Invest in what you want to do. We need to show other provinces in China that we are active in sports and take good care of it here."
David Butler, head of Idea Exchange and a 19-year British resident in China, sees the Games as an opportunity to raise Guangzhou's global profile.
"Many people abroad have heard of Hong Kong and Shenzhen, but Guangzhou remains under the radar. I hope the Games highlight our amazing stadiums, city environment, and quality of life—attracting more visitors and potentially future tourists."
The event featured themed speeches, Q&A and a free chat session.
Rauda Adam Addae, a student in Guangzhou, attended the forum to explore entrepreneurial opportunities.
For her, the Games represent unity and collaboration.
"It's about togetherness, teamwork, and building friendships. I plan to be there as a spectator, meet new people, and experience the energy firsthand."
Idea Exchange, formed in 2013, holds monthly meetings usually on Sunday afternoons at Enlightening Club in Tianhe District, providing a platform for international residents in the Greater Bay Area to discuss topics ranging from business to lifestyle.
As Guangzhou prepares to be one of the competition zones for the 15th National Games, the city's international community is stepping up—not only to seize business opportunities but also to enrich the event's diversity and spirit.
Reporter | Huang Xinyi, Zhang Le (Intern)
Photo | Huang Xinyi, Zhang Le (Intern), Provided to South
Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He
