On October 10, 2024, the SHSID high school sports meet commenced on the West Campus playground. As the autumn breeze brought a refreshing coolness and the sweet fragrance of blooming golden osmanthus filled the air, this large-scale event marked the students' return to the green fields and tracks after several years of renovations. The entire school community expressed immense anticipation and excitement for the festivities ahead.

The Opening Ceremony

At 8:30 AM, the student contingents from each grade marched onto the track with confidence. As they paraded in front of the audience, they presented a series of creative performances that blended elements of sports, festivals, and campus life. Themes such as 'Athletic Spirit' and 'Festive Competitions' showcased the diverse charm of sportsmanship, captivating the audience with their creativity and enthusiasm.

The stands echoed with cheers and applause, adding immense enthusiasm and energy to this visual and passionate feast. Principal Feng Zhigang of Shanghai High School, Party Secretary Zhang Zehong, Deputy Party Secretary Liu Maoxiang, and Principal Ma Feng of SHSID High School, along with directors from various divisions and all high school teachers, attended the autumn sports meet to cheer on the student athletes and show their support.

After the marching, Kevin from Grade 11 as the student athlete representative and the referee representative delivered their oaths. Kevin encouraged his fellow athletes to give their best with sportsmanship and appreciate teamwork and friendships forged through sports. Following this, student performances energized the event, featuring an energetic modern dance by the ASB Students and SPDC Popular Dance Club and an elegant classical dance by the Longyin Club, reigniting excitement on the field.

Following the student performances, the teachers took the stage with an exciting rendition of a modern 'Journey to the West,' specifically presenting a teacher's version of 'The Havoc in Heaven.' This innovative performance showcased the creativity and talents of the high school faculty, highlighting the collaboration between Chinese and foreign teachers as they skillfully blended sports and drama. The atmosphere reached a peak when Principal Ma sang 'Where is the Road Ahead?' while the 'Four Seekers' made their way onto the field, resulting in enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.

At the conclusion of the opening ceremony, Principal Ma Feng delivered a speech and officially declared the start of the high school sports meet. He shared with the students that, like the characters in Journey to the West, we all encounter challenges on our life journeys. Their adventures were filled with obstacles—dangerous trials, unexpected adversities, and seemingly insurmountable difficulties. Yet, they persevered, driven by their determination and belief in their mission. Principal Ma emphasized that our path is also 'right beneath our feet.' He encouraged the students to run freely, embrace the challenge, and enjoy their youth.

Track-and-Field Events

The sports meet featured a variety of track and field events, including preliminaries and finals for the 200m, 800m, and 1500m races, as well as the exciting 100m final. Field events such as shot put, discus throw, long jump, and high jump highlighted the students' speed and strength.

The competition began in the morning, with events running sequentially. Student athletes demonstrated impressive athleticism and determination. Beyond showcasing athletic prowess, the sports meet also served as a celebration of campus culture, fostering friendship and collaboration among students. Faculty representatives contributed to the event's spirit by participating in the 1500m race, competing alongside students and enjoying the camaraderie of sports.

Carnival & Charity Events

The highly anticipated Carnival events took over the campus, drawing in students and faculty alike for a day packed with laughter and team-building fun. Outside the gym, a bustling charity sale featured an array of products, with all proceeds going toward local causes. Among the most popular team events were the caterpillar race, the super-wheeler relay, and the classic three-legged race. In the caterpillar race, teams synchronized their movements, with each member attached to the next, challenging students to communicate and rely on each other’s rhythm to move as one unit. The super-wheeler relay had participants maneuvering large, wheeled contraptions across the track, requiring both strength and coordination as teams battled to complete the course in record time. Meanwhile, the classic three-legged race put teamwork to the test in a more direct way, with pairs of students tying their legs together and strategizing how to move quickly and efficiently without tripping over one another. Each event was a true testament to the power of collaboration, pushing participants to think on their feet, support one another, and tackle challenges together.

In addition to the team challenges, a variety of individual events brought out everyone's competitive side. Participants showed off their strength in an intense arm-wrestling competition, while musical chairs and ring toss added an element of suspense and excitement. The ping-pong toss and limbo challenges had crowds laughing and cheering on their peers, and in a new twist, the snatch that cone contest tested participants' agility and speed as they dashed to grab cones before the clock ran out. Meanwhile, the ice rink and shooting range were bustling with excitement as well; students actively participated in ice-related activities, enjoying the speed and thrill brought by skating and shooting. With each event, the excitement built, and students showcased their skills, creativity, and determination, making for an unforgettable day of competition and fun.

This year's charity run continued the tradition from previous years, where the participating teachers were popular teachers selected by student votes. However, unlike in past years, the number of teachers taking part exceeded previous levels, and they returned to the green field once again, participating with even more joy and a competitive spirit. This change attracted greater attention and enthusiasm for participation.

Cheering Leading Competition

During lunchtime, with the school grounds buzzing with excitement, students gathered in the auditorium, eagerly awaiting the cheerleading performance. After a round of intense competition, 15 classes had earned the chance to showcase their talents at the sports meet through outstanding performances and teamwork.

As the music began, the stage lights illuminated the participants, highlighting their eager expressions. Dressed in matching outfits and holding colorful pom-poms, they jumped and danced in sync with the rhythm. Their movements were full of energy and passion, reflecting weeks of hard practice. Each turn and leap was marked by strength and grace, captivating the audience.

The students in the audience were on fire, waving their arms and cheering loudly for their classes. When finished their performance, the crowd erupted in applause and cheers. In that moment, it was a true celebration of school spirit and unity. The cheerleading competition not only helped students build physical strength but also fostered teamwork and a sense of healthy competition.

Teacher-Student Games

During the day of sports meet, the campus’ new field had turned into a spirited and competitive arena. Students not only had the opportunity to showcase their talents in sports, but also had a series of friendly matches with their teachers. This kind of engagement between both teachers and students not only increased the overall entertainment of the sports meet, but also promoted communication and understanding within all participants.

On the football field, a team of students engaged in a fierce competition with a teacher team, consisting of PE coaches and several football-loving subject teachers. The atmosphere on the field accelerated with feelings of excitement, both sides sprinting and fighting for the ball in order for the final victory. The basketball game was equally exciting, with a sharp contrast between the agility and skills of the student team and the tactical experiences of the teacher team. Every precise shot and successful defense deserved a round of applause from the exhilarated audience.

On the other hand, the badminton court was encircled by students observing the game, cheering for each exciting spike and precise catch of the ball just right by the boundaries of the net. Both teachers and students demonstrated their flexibility and their speed of reaction on the badminton court. Dodgeball games had the most relaxed and enjoyable environment, where students seek opportunities to eliminate their opponents off the field, while teachers tried their best to maintain their balance, also providing guidance and encouragement to students in different situations.

In volleyball matches, two teams of participants each compete on both sides of the net, with both students and teachers jumping and smashing hard for each score. On the table of ping-pong, the pace of the game gradually grows rapidly intense, and every aim made by students and teachers is precise, yet high-powered. Sometimes, the result of the game often depends on the smallest advantage one has.

Although the sports meet has concluded, the unforgettable moments and stories remain like shining stars, forever etched in our school’s memory. These events transcended athletic competition, becoming a vital part of campus culture and enriching the hearts of every student. From the triumphant cheers of victory to the quiet perseverance in overcoming challenges, the meet showcased the power of sports to unlock personal potential and deepen friendships, offering a profound sense of joy. At various venues of the sports meet, the figures of teachers and students volunteers were bustling around. Some served as judges, some maintained the safety of the competition areas, and others were responsible for campus environment. The successful conclusion of the sports meet was attributed to the hard work and contributions of these volunteers. While the event has officially ended, the spirit of sports will continue to thrive on campus. Athletic activities will carry on in every corner, with joy and passion accompanying each run and jump, leaving a lasting impact on our daily lives.

(Written by Grades 9-12 News Group    Pictures by SHSID Media Group   Edited by Shi Hanyue   Reviewed by Gu Ying, Shen Chenli      Proofread by Cody Allen Turner）