On April 9, a hotly contested national skills competition in sports flooring took place at the Chongqing Sheraton Hotel, marking a significant event in the industry. Over 200 technical workers, along with experts and leaders from testing institutions, domestic and international companies, gathered to participate in this grand competition, contributing to the development of the sports flooring industry.
Similar to the previous two 'Golden Blade' competitions, the 2019 third edition of the Golden Blade Award National Advanced Worker Competition in Sports Flooring continues to focus on craftsmanship and dedication. However, this year's competition is set against the backdrop of a critical period for high-quality development in the industry, marking a new stage of transformation and upgrading. Thus, held in early spring 2019, the competition aligns with the new demands of the sports flooring industry, emphasizing respect for technology, talent, and innovation.
The event featured a rich and practical agenda with insightful presentations from industry experts. The on-site competition was intense, and the discussions among guests were engaging. The combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills training, along with the hands-on competition in a hotel setting, provided a comprehensive experience. The event has successfully gathered industry consensus and will contribute to the healthy development of the sports flooring materials industry.
From Skills Competition Back to the Spirit of Craftsmanship
What is a craftsman? In the construction of brick and mortar, every effort and detail is a testament to the dedication and professionalism. When you truly embody the spirit of craftsmanship, you will find joy in your work and produce genuine results.
At the opening ceremony of the competition, DBC Group Chairman Lin Fanqiu emphasized that craftsmanship is not only a professional skill and moral integrity but also a form of self-cultivation. 'We respect craftsmen and craftsmanship, which means respecting labor, creativity, and conscience. For the sports flooring industry to recover from negative news about toxic tracks, it must rely on craftsmen with a spirit of craftsmanship. Only then can we create green, environmentally friendly projects, high-quality conscience projects, and cost-effective projects that ensure the health and safety of billions of people and contribute to the Chinese Dream! '
Over the past two years, the National Advanced Technician Competition in Sports Flooring has had a positive impact on the industry, raising awareness that meeting strict environmental standards and physical mechanical performance is a comprehensive reflection of a product's quality. Proficient craftsmanship and a spirit of continuous improvement are essential for producing high-quality products and projects.
Discussing the motivation behind this competition, he said, 'In the next decade, the sports flooring industry will be highly competitive with extremely harsh eliminations, whether for material companies, contractors, or individual craftsmen. We hope that new craftsmen can carve out their own paths in this intense competition, both grounded and visionary. At the same time, we aim to standardize construction practices in the sports flooring materials industry, enabling more technicians to meet professional standards and enhancing their overall competitiveness.'
While the Golden Trowel Award is a technical skills competition, its significance extends beyond that, Lin Fanqiu explained. 'With good standards, materials, and craftsmen, the right pursuit is now in place. However, the unity and mutual respect within the industry are crucial for sustainable development.' The organizers hope to gather more industry forces through this event, promoting collaborative and rational growth to advance the industry's ecosystem and contribute to a beautiful and healthy China.'
In her speech, Guo Chao, Director of the Exhibition Department of the China Sports Goods Industry Association (CSGIA), succinctly articulated the aspirations of master craftsmen. She said, 'The CSGIA is a significant platform in the sports industry, serving both enterprises and consumers while exploring deeper technical areas. Just as today's competition showcases, we can provide standardized operational guidelines in the future. More importantly, our expert team can offer skill certification to master craftsmen, providing them with authoritative recognition and enhancing their professional paths.'
Guo Chao also provided a detailed overview of the current state and future development of the CSGIA and the China International Sports Goods Fair (CISGF). She mentioned that the 2019 CISGF will feature over 1,500 exhibitors and more than 100,000 visitors.
Finally, Guo Chao expressed her anticipation of seeing the advanced craftsmen at the CISGF on May 23. The fair will provide a broader platform for everyone to focus on master craftsmen, respect their craftsmanship, and value creativity.
Finally, Guo Chao expressed her anticipation to see the advanced craftsmen and artisans during the Shanghai Sports Expo in May. The expo will provide a broader platform for everyone to focus on craftsmanship, respect the art of making, and value creativity.
At the event, 12 guests from associations, testing institutions, manufacturing companies, and engineering firms, along with master craftsmen, offered insights on how the industry can develop healthily. They proposed various practical solutions and action plans. Through training and exchanges, the participating craftsmen broadened their horizons in terms of concepts, products, standards, norms, operations, and tools, which will contribute to the overall progress of the industry and improvement in construction quality.
In the intense competition, over 200 technical workers from across the country showcased their 'talents.' After 150 minutes of laying six different structural DPU running track systems, one by one, miniature tracks were produced. Ultimately, 60 craftsmen stood out through the scores given by more than ten professional judges and dozens of observers.
According to reports, the 2019 third edition of the Golden Blade Award Advanced Technician Competition in Sports Flooring across China will consist of three stages. After the opening ceremony in Chongqing, an online vote will be held in early May. On May 23rd, all finalists will travel to Shanghai for the final round during the 37th China International Sports Equipment Expo. Who will become the 2019 Golden Blade Award star? We look forward to seeing who it will be.
This competition is supported by the Chinese Sports Goods Industry Association, organized by DBC Group and BASF Polyurethane Specialties (China) Co., Ltd., and hosted by Shanghai DBC Environmental Engineering Co., Ltd., the China International Sports Equipment Expo, Chongqing Huachang Sports Facility Co., Ltd., and Chongqing Chaoyuan Sports Facility Co., Ltd. Jiangsu Galaxy Chemical Light Industry Co., Ltd., Fujian Aoxiang Sports Flooring Technology Co., Ltd., and Guangdong Chuao High-tech Co., Ltd. are co-organizers.
Event Highlights
Next, the article moves into the event itself.
First, let's take a look at the exterior of the hotel, where the 'Golden Twin Towers' are meticulously crafted, towering into the sky.
Could the grand Hyatt Regency hotel and construction skills competition be a match made in heaven? Anything is possible! Of course, environmental friendliness and odorlessness are non-negotiable. If materials are toxic or smelly, the first victims would be the skilled workers on the front line!!
Construction workers are dispersing ETPU popcorn particles.
At this moment, the craftsmen are the stars. We are happy to play supporting roles, promoting respect for technology, talent, and innovation across the industry!
The competition is in full swing, with many people observing.
In the process of refining the 'work,' there can be no room for carelessness.
Judges are carefully scoring the entries...
They are peers and also fathers and sons; their shared commitment to the craft is presented as a form of continuity.
Their words may be simple, but they are heartfelt, reflecting their confidence and hope in the industry. This is the essence of the Master Legacy Program—to ensure that the spirit of craftsmanship continues to thrive...
After a tense competition, 60 craftsmen received their graduation certificates. A few were also selected for further consideration...
The lucky draw segment is highly anticipated.
Ms. Lee XiuZhen from South Korea presented an iPhone Xr 128G to a lucky craftsman (his bronze complexion reflects his professional dedication).
Two iPads, ten boxes of 'Unity Tea' (symbolic gifts), and ten pairs of Adidas Boost sneakers were distributed to the lucky craftsmen!
Group photo from the opening ceremony of the 2019 Third Golden Blade Award Advanced Technician Competition for Sports Flooring Nationwide.
