Behind the 2024 National High-tech Zone Workers' Table Tennis Tournament: The Unsung Heroes of Logistics
From November 17 to 20, 2024, the National High-tech Zone Workers' Table Tennis Competition was successfully held at the Liuzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center. Hosted by the Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions, the event attracted over 60 teams from more than 40 national high-tech zones and some enterprises, with over 300 athletes and coaches taking part. On the court, the players were full of passion, showcasing the spirit of the workers. Many thrilling moments created a vibrant scene, fostering a strong atmosphere of healthy sportsmanship.
Li Mujiang, chairman of the Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions, briefs shuttle drivers on important details. Photo by Ke Yu
Yet behind this success, a group of dedicated event support staff worked silently in the background. Though not the center of attention, they ensured the smooth running of the competition through their concrete actions.
Shuttle service was the first step of the support effort. Staff from the Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions and drivers selected by some grassroots unions worked non-stop throughout the event. They carefully arranged pick-up and drop-off schedules in advance, confirming each detail by phone or message. Before dawn each day, they set off to welcome guests at train stations or airports; late at night, they were still on the road. Their warm smiles and thoughtful service left a great first impression on guests from all over the country, showcasing the spirit of Liudong New District's union members. During breaks in the competition, drivers also responded to requests from out-of-town guests, taking them downtown to enjoy Liuzhou's scenery and cuisine, earning widespread praise. According to statistics, over 200 shuttle trips were arranged during the tournament, transporting nearly a thousand people, ensuring that all participants "arrived smoothly, competed happily, and departed comfortably."
Accommodation support was equally important. When choosing the competition venue, the Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions fully considered lodging factors, selecting the Liuzhou Dongcheng Ramada Plaza Hotel—just a few minutes' walk from the arena—as the event's "logistics base," and set up a check-in desk there. A few days before the competition began, union staff thoughtfully prepared materials for each team, including union brochures, competition schedules, mini tourist maps, exquisite souvenirs, and bagged luosifen (snail noodles), packing everything into individual bags. These preparations helped build an exciting atmosphere for the event.
Venue setup also reflected the hard work of the staff. To ensure the smooth running of the competition as well as the opening and closing ceremonies, all staff from the Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions started working days in advance—moving and setting up tables and chairs, installing partitions, helping to print and place name cards, preparing tea and water, and more. Sweating on the court, they felt proud seeing teams compete in a comfortable environment. Data shows that during the event, staff moved over 300 sets of tables and chairs and installed more than 300 partitions. After the competition, union volunteers also helped organize and pack up the venue facilities.
Food service was key to sustaining the event's continuity. The Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions carefully prepared lunches and dinners at the venue, with nutritious and well-balanced menus highly praised by the athletes. As mealtimes approached, staff at temporary workstations checked and quickly distributed meals to ensure each team ate on time, while they themselves often ate in batches after the athletes had finished. According to incomplete statistics, over 1,300 meals were served during the competition.
In addition, a team of photographers and videographers moved throughout the venue, capturing every detail of the event with their lenses. From sweeping panoramas and leadership close-ups to thrilling competition moments and important ceremonies, nothing was missed. Thousands of photos and hours of video footage immortalized the excitement of the tournament.
The entire competition also received support and on-site assistance from public security, public safety, fire, hospital, and other relevant departments. Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Co., Ltd. and Liuzhou Yiyang Technology Co., Ltd. also provided robust support. Hosting this national event served as a test of the support and service capabilities of Liuzhou City, the Liuzhou High-tech Industrial Development Zone Management Committee, and the Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions, and the competition's success proved they delivered a satisfactory result.
These behind-the-scenes staff and volunteers, though not standing in the spotlight, were the true heroes of the event, deserving of our respect.
(Text/Photo: Ke Yu, Liudong New District (High-tech Zone) Federation of Trade Unions, Liuzhou City)
