(Text by Huang Jianxia from the International Exchange Department, Photo by Qin Xizhi, Zuo Yingzi from LZPU Convergence Media and International Exchange Department) The first Track and Field Sports Meeting of Liuzhou Polytechnic University (LZPU) took place from November 7 to 8, 2024. The sports event highlighted the sports excellence of international students, fostered cultural exchanges, and enhanced friendships.

During the sports meeting, the LZPU campus was adorned with vibrant flags. International students from 18 countries and regions, dressed in the School of International Education's uniforms, passionately paraded past the rostrum, with a proud oath 'Sailing the World with Dreams from LZPU'. The student team showcased a variety of performances that included Chinese songs, Indonesian dances, and Thai dances. Kezia Christine Angela from Indonesia received enthusiastic applause from both the rostrum and the audience for her rendition of the Chinese song I Believe. The Indonesian and Thai dances offered cultural exchange opportunities, further highlighting the youthful vitality of international students in our school.

During the track and field events, participants from different countries raced with vigor on the track, showcasing youthful passion and energy through sweat and speed. The stands were filled with the enthusiastic cheers of students from around the world, creating a vibrant sea of joy. After intense competition, LZPU international students won three gold medals and one silver medal. They secured the champion title in the women's 1500m event in the undergraduate group, the men's long jump and men's softball throw in the junior college group, and a runner-up position in the men's triple jump in the junior college group. Additionally, students secured a top eight position in the men's 200m and men's shot put events in the junior college group.

Notably, the sports meeting serves not just as a sports event but also as a remarkable opportunity for cultural exchange. During intermissions, participants from different countries, along with Chinese and foreign students, engaged in conversations and shared their diverse cultures and customs. The communication fostered mutual understanding and friendships. This cross-cultural interaction enriches the campus experience for international students and provides them with a vital platform to broaden their global horizons and enhance their cross-cultural communication skills. We hope our international students will keep embracing the spirit of sports, bravely move ahead, and collaboratively strive for even greater achievements in the future!

An Indonesian student singing the Chinese song I Believe at the opening ceremony

Students from Equatorial Guinea, Laos, and Thailand dancing together

Nguyen Thi Huyen from Vietnam winning the women's 1500m championship in the undergraduate group

Bikienga Baba Ahmed (middle) claiming the championship in the long jump, securing the runner-up position in the triple jump, and ranking sixth in the men's 200m in the junior college group

Africano Isaias Candele Sabino from Angola winning the championship in the softball throw

Kouam Tchouela from Cameroon securing seventh position in the shot put event of the junior college group

Department Auditor: Wei Linhua, International Exchange Department (School of International Education)