Me a cradle of world champions
ckground, both the d the Foreign YMCA us activities focusle including sports rmative lectures. rovided centrally nished rooms with air, a gymnasium, a unning track, bowlmeals, club rooms, special courses of or research work, s and the like. ltered water from ailable. During the he water was first arge cooling coil. orners of the gymd refreshment for
War II, the buildd by the Japanese it was taken over government. The n Yi, assigned the hai Sports Bureau, e Shanghai Sports to organize startto select and train om local children
ecame ‘a cradle of ’ A galaxy of Chiing swimmer Yang player Chang Hao, ers as amateurs at orts Club. We celears’ anniversary iang Ligang, club
the original exteas remained as on 90 years ago, such erns on the facade, nce, the beautiful wood library and the swimming pool still with warm water in winter and largely graced by delicate old mosaics.
“The building was well preserved because it has always been used by Shanghai Sports Bureau since 1950. From the bureau leaders to every staff member, we have deep feelings for this well-designed historical building. Some old staff recalled the ventilation was so good that air conditioners were not necessary in hot days. There was constantly the sound of wind blowing doors to close,” says Liang.
Today, part of the second floor is open to the public as an exhibition room of Shanghai Sports Museum. The history of the Olympic Games and Chinese participation is showcased. Olympic gold medals and huge pictures of smiling Chinese champions who had their first training here glisten under the gorgeous ceiling of this wonder building.