Happy Villagers
WUHAN (CHN) – Every guest of MAV – the Military Athletes’ Village – in Wuhan will agree: this Village is top-notch! Just like the grand Opening Ceremony, the MAV is described with many superlatives by athletes and coaches alike who call it home for the period of the Military Games in Wuhan.
The MAV is strategically located on the southeastern bank of Huangjiahu Lake in the Jiangxia District, south of Wuhan. It takes less than 40 minutes to drive from the MAV to the majority of all 34 competition venues.
Marcelo Plada is the coach of the Canadian soccer team. Wuhan is his third Military Games so he can compare with previous editions. “This Village certainly exceeded my expectations,” he says. “It’s beyond comparison to the other two I’ve been to. The Wuhan Athletes’ Village is without doubt first class.”
Marcelo likes the concept. “I like the fact that athletes can mingle here. Moreover, the access to all the different kinds of food in the Athletes’ Canteen are just phenomenal.” Indeed, in the huge dining hall, the guests can choose from a wide variety of dishes, i.e. Mediterranean, European, Chinese, open kitchen, bakery, cold dishes and even Halal food. No need to starve!
“All is pretty new as well, they told me it finished in March. Everything runs very well, no flaws.” All these nations living together on 565,800 square meters goes well opinions Marcelo. “It’s a perfect opportunity to meet people from other countries an exchange thought. It’s been beneficial for all players and staff, just a tremendous experience for everyone.”
His players are impressed by the Military Games as a major sporting event as well. “The guys love these Games. It’s been a great experience for them so far and the competition is really high too. So, on a sporting level it has also been a great opportunity, they enjoyed it so far.”
Military Games can prevent conflicts, the Canadian soccer coach opinions. “Being her opens up your eyes, more so than politics. Sports connects everyone in a positive way, so it’s a great thing it’s happening.”
In terms of hospitality the Canadian soldier has no complaints either. “The Chinese have been tremendous hosts. Very welcoming, very friendly but also very open and genuine at the same time. We had nothing but great service from them. The organization has been excellent.”
The team bonding is great as well. “We had a number of returning players and a couple of new guys. They never seen such a high level of collaboration and activity between the players and countries, so it’s been an excellent experience for them. The positive feedback of not being merely a participating nation but having contenders among our contingent of Canadian military athletes will certainly be a plus for us towards participation in future CISM events,” Marcelo ends on a positive note.
“This Athletes’ Village is fantastic, it’s a great place to stay during these Games,” says Valentine, a female beach volleyball player from Rwanda, taking a break form a practice warm-up at one of the many sports courts in the Village. “It has all the facilities we need and also the dining area is impressive with many choices in types of food. I’m also impressed by the magnitude of these Military Games.”
Her teammate Penelope agrees. “I very much appreciate it how everything in this Village is organized,” she adds. “There are a lot of athletes here, but there is a lot of space too, as well as sporting grounds. It’s great to be able to interact with so many persons from different countries from all around the world. I think these Games can improve the relations between countries.”
Their coach Christophe Mudahinyukarwa confirms. “The Military Games are a perfect tool to improve friendships among nations. Meeting soldiers from other countries, competing against each other on the sports field instead of the battlefield, I think it’s very good.” He also is full of praise for the Athletes’ Village. “It’s excellent. Nice clean buildings, outstanding facilities, nice staff and volunteers who take care of us. It couldn’t be better,” he ends.
(Source: CISM Media and Communication Department – Journalist & Pictures: Christian Pierre)
