Peking University, Oct. 27, 2018: On the morning of October 20, 2018, the 9th Nike University Athletics Challenge was kicked off at Wu-si Sports Center of Peking University. The competition was organized by Peking University, and sponsored by China Athletics Association and Nike Sports (China) Co., Ltd. 219 athletes of track and field from universities nation-wide gathered at Peking University celebrated the anniversary with the sportsmanship of “faster, higher and stronger”, which was of commemorative meaning.
This competition brought together 8 universities contracted with Nike (Peking University, Tsinghua University, Fudan University, Tongji University, Jinan University, Zhejiang University, South China University of Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology), and invited athletes from other 33 universities.
Entry of the teams (photographed by Hu Man)
The teams (photographed by Hu Man)
Zhang Rui, secretary of Peking University Physical Education (and Sports Science) Department, hosted the opening ceremony. Director Li Ning gave a welcoming speech, and said that since its establishment in 1992, the Department had always adhered to the values of “complete personality first formed in sports”, and sincerely welcomed guests from all over the world with an open and inclusive gesture. He emphasized that fairness and openness were basic guidelines for every sportsman—it was necessary to inherit and carry forward the Olympic ideals so as to create a fair competition environment for every athlete to fully show their skills.
Zhang Rui giving her speech
Li Ning giving his speech
Before the game, the referee representative of Beijing Forestry University and representatives of Peking University athletes solemnly swore that they would strictly abide by the discipline of the game. Many an athlete performed excellently in the competition.
The racing athletes
Invited as a special guest of the event, China's 100-meter “flying man” Su Bingtian worked as a college track and field coach, gave the live commentary, and accepted CCTV5 live interviews to talk about his experience of racing. Meanwhile, he hoped that the athletes could cherish this opportunity to shoot for better grades.
After the competition, the organizer held a festive dinner. The athletes enjoyed themselves performing and communicating in the banquet.
It is known that the "Nike University Athletics Challenge" is the highest-standard track and field event in universities nationwide. From this year’s competition on, China Athletics Association will give comprehensively guidance and steering, and strive to enhance the influence of the event by expanding its scale, promoting its level, and enriching its content. This competition, adhering to the concept of "macro-athletics " as its guideline, contributes to the development of China sports by serving as a platform to attract more reserve talents coming for this career.
Written by: Yang Fan
Edited by: Wei Yunqi, Wang Qian
