The Sports’ Parade
By: Daniel Otero
Hui-dong County , China (25 October, 2018) – With the opening ceremony at 8 a.m., this was the signal for the kickoff of the Silver Beach Fourth Annual Sports Meeting.
The event shined in colors of white, black, red, purple and gold! Kids laughing it up with their techno-dances, speeches and flag waving.
It was all about the feeling of passion for youth, education and sports. A point that has trickled down little by little into Chinese society; which came a long time ago thanks to the Ancient Greek Olympians.
A productive way to do exercise, in friendly competitive spirit!
Already before the kickoff on Thursday, there was a tentative one on Wednesday. Those in the 10th and 11th grades having a sweet-basketball match. With shouts erupting from the crowds, “Jiayou! Jiayou!” and a ‘come on’ from the sole-foreign spectator. The teenagers rushed to surround the basketball courts to witness their favorite players in action, girls and boys cheering to be the dominant grade in this competition!
It was after the hoisting of the flag, that the events really got into full swing the following day! These activities began with a 100 meter lap race and the winner came out to be Pat: a Chinese-young lady, with long-dark hair and olive-skin in the 10th grade.
Sitting down and speaking to Cinci, another student and one of the competitors. She expressed the following, “This sports parade states our passion. It is a chance to express in these three days our youthful enthusiasm for what we love!” She still felt rather nervous, but in good spirits for her up and coming event at 10:10 a.m.
The symbolism of ‘Swag’ was shinning everywhere. To be in the style of fashion… To let the crowds know, this is the new generation of China. Strong, healthy, vibrant and taller!
Jimmy and Vincent (also students from Silver Beach) spoke to me about their excitement among the sweltering heat! For these young-Chinese adolescents, the spirit of competition and interest is alive and well!
Jimmy would be proving, of course, his ‘swag’ in the afternoon’s long-distance race. He’d be doing the 1,500 meters around 3:00 p.m. His thoughts were the following, “I’m somewhat nervous and hope, I’m not too slow,” with laughter from ear to ear, he goes on his way to prepare emotionally for the event!
Brimming smiles weren’t only on the faces of students. It was the swelling of pride for the teachers whom organized these events! Take teacher Lili, Chinese teacher who also teaches Chinese. She organized the parade and music, and most of it came out without a glitch! Her taskmaster skills really paid off when in cohesion: the choreography, parade itself and dance moves were excitingly in unison. Brilliant, indeed!
Vivian, Chinese-English teacher was also part of the fray. Motivating the boys and girls with her smiles to do their best. Her moment of pride came when after the rehearsals, she saw everything come together neatly!
Of course, there was a momentary hick-up, when the music got away from their hands and the electronics wouldn’t respond. After that, everything was back-on-track, literally!
Oscar, another English teacher commented, “Students today are just brilliant! Superseding and beyond my wildest expectations; especially with the sports competition and the levels of competitiveness.”
With this said, it really marked a great day for these sports events and if it needed to be graded: it all be given a 9 out 10! For a job well done!
