“Dream of youth, live up to youth”

As the morning sun rose the young athletes geared up for their events. The Opening Ceremony drew to a close and SUIS Qingpu’s Middle School Sports Day began smoothly with a palpable whiff of excitement in the air.

Sprint

The sprinters took their marks and at the sound of the starting pistol propelled themselves to the finish line and glory.

Long-distance running

This is often referred to as a test against oneself, a longer event of endurance where placement at the finish fades in importance relative to the need to push yourself as hard as you can go over the distance. It is important to run your own race and to keep to a true rhythm and style that suits the runner. True victory comes from hard, honest work and surpassing ability previously and wrongly believed.

Long Jump

Run-up, take-off and land, arms crossed in a wonderful arc in the air as wind rushes by and the cheers of the crowd blur into one. As the dust settles my heart is full of pride.

Shot Put

Brace! Pivot! Push your arm forward with all your might! Athletes hurl the shot as far as they can in a powerful show of youthful vitality.

Relay

Speed, strength, endurance, coordination and communication are vital components of the relay. The baton is handed over again and again and with it the hope of the runners and supporters. As the young competitors speed around the track to the roaring enthusiasm of the spectators they must unite in their ambition and work as a team. One youthful unit, all with the same goal in mind – another powerful show of the vitality of youth and togetherness.

 Class project

Tug of War

One! Two! Pull! Two teams going head-to-head in a competition of strength and teamwork. The strongest side does not always win, as unity is shown to be essential. As the dust settles, there is only one team left standing.

Amidst the thunderous applause of the audience, the champion, runner-up and third place finishers are rewarded for their efforts. They have surpassed themselves, they have struggled and shown commitment, unity and strength. They stand high on the podium accepting the plaudits, knowing that they, along with all others, have worked hard to achieve their dreams. They have won not only medals but also the recognition of their peers.

Tears and setbacks blend, sweat and laughter embrace; youth and sunshine are side by side, passion and shouting are combined. The students are full of smiles, showing their youthful dreams! This is sport. It brings us healthy bodies and smiling faces. It teaches us that we must work and persevere in order to achieve. There is much to look forward to next year where once again our students will relish in showing their determination, teamwork, joyful exuberance and sportsmanship.