By He Qi in Shanghai chinadaily.com.cn

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visits the exhibition booth of China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai on Sunday. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach visited the Olympic-themed exhibition booth of China Mengniu Dairy Company Limited (Mengniu), the worldwide TOP Partner of the IOC, at the Olympic Qualifier Series in Shanghai on Sunday.

Gao Fei, CEO of Mengniu, held talks with Bach on topics related to jointly promoting global sports and sustainable development apart from the expectations for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

"IOC is very pleased to establish a partnership with Mengniu and, during the cooperation process, the IOC deeply perceives the compatibility of Mengniu with the Olympic spirit... IOC is looking forward to continuing to join hands with Mengniu to make greater contributions for a peaceful and better world," said Bach.

Gao said: "Mengniu will work together with the IOC and Olympic organizations around the world to promote the development and popularization of the Olympic movement worldwide."

During the visit, Bach had exchanges and interactions with Meng Niu’s Ambassador of Perseverance, Liao Zhi, a dancer who lost her legs in an earthquake and persisted with her unwavering spirit and passion for dancing.

"Having experienced that earthquake caused me to have a very depressed period, but it happened to be the Olympics at that time, so when those Olympic scenes were aired in the news, I really felt inspired and it influenced me to pick myself up," said Liao, adding that the meeting with Bach made her dream come true.

Mengniu has also established long-term cooperation with the FIFA World Cup and has become the official global sponsor of FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.