From October 31 to November 2, Central China Normal University (CCNU) held its annual Sports Festival at Youming Stadium, uniting the campus community together in a vibrant celebration of school spirit and athletic talent. Students, faculty, and staff participated, with international students adding unique energy and cultural flair. Here are the highlights!
1. Loong Dance
International students brought a unique touch to the Loong Dance, blending cultural appreciation with athletic coordination. Their movements embody a shared spirit of celebration and a deep engagement with Chinese culture, energizing the crowd and highlighting the festival's unity.
Maria & Marina from the School of Foreign Languages
For Maria, dragon dancing is an exciting first-time experience. "It's not difficult, but it's really fun, and the atmosphere here is fantastic. Chinese culture is amazing!" she exclaimed. For Marina, participating a second time brought new friendships. "This time, everyone on the team is a beginner. I've made so many new friends. I guess that's one purpose of the sports festival: to give everyone a break from heavy schoolwork and help us build connections."
2. 100m&200m Sprint
The 100m Sprint brought excitement and energy as international students from various countries showcased their competitive spirit, adding a multicultural dynamic and highlighting the university's global talent.
Dania from the College of International Cultural Exchange
Dania achieved an impressive result in the competition. "The event wasn't too challenging for me since I tend to exercise on a regular basis, but stepping onto the field still made me nervous—it is a competition, after all. The atmosphere on the field was wonderful; everyone cheered enthusiastically. That warm spirit is typical of our university."
Sarah from the College of International Cultural Exchange
Sarah, a 200m competitor, shared her thoughts: "This event is so interactive, and it makes you feel lively and free. Competing with students from different countries allows us to connect. We believe that we can make it." She also reflected: "I've gained so much—new friends, new lessons, and a stronger sense of community."
3. 5000m Long-Distance Run
The 5000m run tests athletes' stamina and endurance, and international students bring a global array of strategies and pacing styles to the race, adding depth and camaraderie to the event as runners inspire each other to push boundaries.
Abu from the College of International Cultural Exchange
A regular participant in the 5K, Abu said: "I just join for fun. Every year, new students join—they are young and run fast." In his opinion, when it comes to sports, happiness always comes first. "I run because it makes me happy."
Let's hear what spectators outside the arena thought about this year's opening ceremony!
Roji from the School of Education
Reflecting on the opening ceremony, Roji shared: "It's such an interesting event. People gather to celebrate, showcasing Chinese cultural diversity with various styles and costumes. It's truly fascinating!"
Kexi from the College of International Cultural Exchange
A spectator from Congo, Kexi shared: "It feels great to be here and share happiness with so many Chinese students. They may be a bit shy, but they're very friendly." When asked about how he feels about this sports meeting, he added: "The vibe is fantastic! The dynamic music makes me want to dance."
Over three days, the campus buzzed with excitement and enthusiasm. The Sports Festival energized the community, embodying the values of resilience, teamwork, and mutual respect, as participants embraced the spirit of reaching higher, moving faster, and growing stronger together.
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