Autumn Trails Burst with Color and Joyful Pursuits
In November, the wind carries the warmth of autumn sunlight, gently brushing across the turf of the sports field. It weaves vibrant vitality and boundless hope into the eyes of every teacher and student. United on the green expanse, the entire school gathers, following the call of sports to open a youthful celebration—painted with perseverance and written with passion.
The Arena Awakens, Pledges Resound
In early morning, the sports field was already wrapped in a busy yet orderly atmosphere. PE teachers and volunteers arrived early, carefully guiding students from each grade and participating athletes to gather in their designated areas.
At 8:00 a.m., the host announced the official start of the opening ceremony, slowly lifting the curtain on this grand event. Athlete representatives, referee representatives, and volunteer representatives took turns to pledge their commitment. From respecting rules and upholding fairness to serving with dedication, the three oaths interpreted the essence of sportsmanship from different perspectives, leaving a profound impression on everyone present.
A Moment of Glory, Crowned by Passion
“Our school’s sports teams are the backbone of campus athletic spirit and a shining example of perseverance. The development of student sports teams has become increasingly structured, forming a dual-track model that combines annual athlete registration with the selection of outstanding sports figures each academic year,” the principal announced, drawing enthusiastic applause. “This semester, we have launched the student athlete registration program – 14 teams and 252 athletes have completed registration. Today, 97 student athlete representatives will take the stage to receive their official registration certificates!”
From the founding-year soccer team and the steadily advancing men’s basketball squad after its reorganization, to the women’s basketball team that once achieved an 11-game winning streak and the volleyball team that claimed the SSSA Division 2 championship in its second year; from the table tennis team that secured two consecutive SSSA team titles and the badminton team that has carried on its legacy for nearly 20 years, to the tennis team driven by the motto ‘Smash the Limits’ and the track and field team that has earned multiple city-level honors; then to the rowing team emphasizing ‘Four as One,’ the ultimate frisbee powerhouse PHD celebrating its tenth anniversary, the climbing team focused on self-surpassing, the fencing team with a record of strong performances, the rugby team that captured last year’s SSSA championship, and the rising star—the women’s lacrosse team. Each squad, fueled by passion and perseverance, embarks on a new journey through this registration ceremony.
“Recently, six student sports teams from Shanghai Pinghe School’s Jinding Campus High School participated in nine athletic events, earning a total of 19 awards—three gold, nine silver, and six bronze medals,” the principal announced, before revealing the individuals and teams that achieved outstanding results in these competitions. In truth, these honors are not merely about recognizing achievements – they are a coronation of your passion.
Passion Continues, Clashes at the Peak
After safety reminders, the morning competitions officially began. On the track, the 100m heats, 200m heats, 400m preliminaries, and 4×100m relay preliminaries unfolded one after another. From check-in to stepping onto the track, every move reflected focus – the explosive power at the start, the adjustments on the curve, and the shouts during the final sprint turned the lanes into a stage for speed and courage. The field events were equally thrilling: the soaring leaps of long jumpers, the arcs of solid ball throws, and the determination of high jumpers challenging the bar – each attempt was a breakthrough of personal limits. Cheers from the sidelines rose and fell, pushing the morning’s atmosphere to its peak.
After lunch, the passion for sports showed no signs of fading. Dansoul’s warm-up performance ignited the atmosphere with dynamic rhythms and synchronized moves, captivating the audience and fueling energy for the afternoon events. Following the performance, the award ceremonies for field events, the 400m race, and relay competitions took place as scheduled. Victorious athletes once again stepped onto the podium, their medals gleaming alongside bright smiles – becoming the first splash of color on the afternoon stage.
Suddenly, a light drizzle began to fall, growing heavier by the minute. For the safety of the athletes, the scheduled 100m and 200m finals were temporarily canceled (later rescheduled), and the organizing committee promptly informed all participants and spectators. Yet, the rain could not dampen the spirit of the games – the women’s 800m and men’s 1500m preliminaries went ahead as planned. At the sound of the starting gun, the athletes charged into the rain without hesitation. Their uniforms soaked, but their resolve unshaken, they adjusted their breathing and steadied their pace on the slippery track, each stride landing with extra force. On the long course, rain and sweat intertwined, footsteps and breaths mingled with cheers from the stands, creating the most stirring melody beneath the rain curtain. With every lap, the runners grew more determined, and the crowd’s shouts grew louder – umbrellas raised, toes tipped, cheering on the young athletes battling through the storm.
Beyond the traditional track and field events, this year’s sports meet featured two special competitions, adding extra flair and excitement to the arena. The Football All-Star Game took the stage during the morning intermission, where star players from Grades 10, 11, and 12 battled it out on the pitch. Every pass, shot, and defensive move reflected their love for the game and showcased the beauty of teamwork to the cheering crowd. In the afternoon, the Basketball ‘King of the Court’ 1v1 Challenge brought the heat indoors. Using a knockout format, players faced off in intense one-on-one duels, with precise shots and agile defense creating a thrilling atmosphere and injecting a unique competitive edge into the sports meet.
Closing Remarks
This year’s Shanghai Pinghe School Track and Field Meet (Jinding Campus) saw five new records set: Boys’ 100m, Boys’ 400m, Boys’ 1500m, Boys’ Long Jump, and Girls’ High Jump. With sweat as their wings, these athletes pushed the limits of speed and strength, elevating campus sports to new heights. Every powerful sprint and every soaring leap reflected the brightest image of youth!
What does sports truly mean to students? Perhaps it was once just the ticking numbers on a stopwatch we chased desperately, or the breathless urgency mingled with sweat. But today, on this field, it returned to its true form – sun-warmed tracks, jerseys lifted by the wind, strands of hair dampened by sweat. It is the very image of youth.
From the morning’s opening ceremony to the evening’s finale, this year’s school sports meet was not only a grand stage for competition but also a vibrant gathering of youth. May you fully enjoy this athletic feast brought to life by Pinghe students, and may every teacher and student carry this passion and sincerity forward into the days to come.
