The final of the South Jiangsu division of 2018 "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" Chinese Speech Contest for Foreigners took place in Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu province, on May 31.

A total of 20 international students from 18 countries, including the United States, Italy, Yemen, Japan and India, put on exciting audio-visual performances and vied for the top two places in the final, which will be held in Nanjing, the capital of Jiangsu province, in June.

Sponsored by the Information Office of Jiangsu Provincial People's Government and Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, the event encourages international students to showcase their Chinese proficiency and share their aspirations for living in Jiangsu and China.

Jared York, an American boy who is studying at the Business School of Jiangnan University, won the first prize.

Akkalbek, a Kazakhstan's student studying in Changzhou University, said his relationship with China started four years ago when he came to attend a Taekwondo competition at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing. His story about his favorite Chinese dessert yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball) won great praise from the judges.

"Different from emotional speeches in former competitions, this year's contestants are willing to tell us their daily life in China. Stories telling in a simple, straightforward way moves us better," said a judge.

The "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" Chinese Speaking Contest for Foreigners has successfully taken place for five years. As part of the "Shared Joy in Jiangsu" series which also features talent shows, music festivals and cultural trips, it helps promote the province's diversification and internationalization.

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