The first GMBA Frisbee Networking Event was hosted by the University of Manchester China Centre on 12th Nov 2022. Nearly 20 students from our 2021 & 2022 intakes joined us for this exciting gathering and let’s have a review of some of the unforgettable moments!

At first, everyone briefly introduced themselves and got to know each other. Then as a prelude to this event, China Centre Director Sherry Fu shared the intention of China Centre holding such a gathering at this particular time. As Sherry said, the University of Manchester is the UK’s only university to have social responsibility as a strategic core goal. We put social responsibility as our priority through our research, learning and students, public engagement activities and responsible campus operations. We are playing a leading role and making positive changes in tackling all 17 SDGs: such as no poverty, good health and well-being, gender equality and climate action.

The Frisbee Networking Event was once again our actions against such goals, to be specific, good health and well-being. Considering the Covid-19 regulations, most of our workshops this year have been delivered fully virtually which kept our students from face-to-face discussing and networking with each other. In particular, the Shanghai pandemic this Spring has brought students significant challenges in terms of both physical and mental health. China Centre sincerely hopes that under the New Normal of pandemic life, we could engage our students in more physical activities so that they could keep healthy both physically and mentally. Together, we strive for the SDGs.

Later on, led by the Frisbee coach, the students began to warm up and started to learn the basic skills and competition rules, etc. With the help of senior players, everyone became familiar with this sport. By practising in pairs, the students gradually cultivated the spirit of tacit understanding.

Frisbee is a team sport which requires high-level “chemistry” among team members. The students were divided into two teams, Purple and White (visual identity of UoM), with five on each side. Although some were green hands, they quickly picked up the rules and skills and by practice became well-cooperated teams!

After rounds of intense practice and competitions, students were guided with some gentle stretching exercises for body recovery. All students formed a circle to support each other, which was also a good illustration of team cooperation and coordination. The experience not only helped our students get refreshed but also learned more about the importance of teamwork which will be crucial for their future GMBA studies. Everyone found out that they were motivated by the pleasure of sports and networking with their peers.

UoM China Centre Student Support Team will continue to organize such events and engage students from different programmes as well as alumni to enhance their experience and provide more networking opportunities.