Introducing new SWIC activities this year

SWIC Activities are one of the longest standing traditions of our club, as well as one of the most fun benefits of being a member! As the chair of activities, I am proud to offer such a wide variety of weekly activities to our members. In the past year, despite the pandemic, we have grown our membership in pure numbers, as well as diversity, reaching different types of Shenzhen expats we had not in the past, and in more districts across Shenzhen than ever before. This is reflected in our growing number of offerings and in our flourishing club-wide events like our monthly Happy Hour. We recently met with all the volunteer leaders of the various groups to coordinate for the new SWIC year. The creative juices were flowing as leaders from different activities helped shape ideas with each other, and suggested ways to reach even more of our members and families. This generous team is also ready to launch a few new activities for the coming year, including: Pelotonnettes: The love of fitness in the great outdoors has led to the creation of this new activity group. This group of keen cyclists meets every Friday morning for an extended ride along Shenzhen Bay. A pass is taken by Shekou, and then out towards the Mangrove reservoir area, and typically ends with a thirst quenching drink at the café near Peninsula. The group welcomes bikers of all levels, and always works as a team to cheer along and wait for each other.

Wok ‘n Talk: This new activity group reveals the secret cooking superpowers of our members, and lets you learn about the cuisines of the world! Wok ‘n Talk will be a monthly get-together to learn a recipe from a SWIC member’s home country. Learn how to use ingredients you may not have been familiar with, and techniques you can use at home to cook for your family. And of course, chat with your fellow members and bond in the kitchen preparing a meal together.

Working for the Weekend: This new activity group is a chance for those working the 9-5 to meet up and discover something new in Shenzhen. Venture to a new restaurant, try a new fitness class, or just get together at one of our supporting merchants for a casual drink. Activities will be held in the evening or weekend daytime, offering a variety of times to break out of your weekly schedule. And of course, spouses and partners are always welcome.

These join our continuing activities of Archery, Hiking, Tennis, Mahjong, Moms & Tots, Book Club, TasteBuds (foodie outings), Crafts, and monthly Happy Hour. Most activities meet once a week, but some meet on a monthly basis.

And remember that SWIC benefits are extended to your immediate family. So if you have a spouse or partner who has a different schedule from you, they are certainly welcome to join any of our SWIC activities when they are free. Finally, as of September, the 2021-22 SWIC Year is here! So please join us for a kick-off coffee morning at the Shekou Hilton on Tuesday August 24. Enjoy a morning with snacks, and your choice of coffee or tea. Plus pick up your official membership card, which unlocks all your SWIC discounts! And all members, new and returning, get a gift pack!

Everyone on the board is eager to kick off the new SWIC year together. Thanks all for your support and see you soon! Greta Bilek Chair of Activities