On a cool autumn day, as the rain subsided and the lingering warmth of summer faded, the enthusiasm on the sports field remained unwavering. Following the Sports Meet of Grades 1-3 earlier in the day, the Sports Meet for Grades 4-5 took place in the afternoon. Ms. Zhang Zehong, Secretary General of SHS, Mr. Ma Feng, Principal of SHSID High School, Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, and other school leaders and section directors of Puxi Campus were present at the opening ceremony, cheering on the young athletes.

Approximately 450 athletes from 18 classes marched into the field in perfect unison. Each class showcased a unique sport as their theme. Beyond popular sports like football, basketball, and swimming, students introduced a range of lesser-known activities such as snowboarding, ice hockey, and shooting. The students creatively highlighted the essence of each sport in their performances, turning the field into a stage where sportsmanship met artistry. Each class brought its own flair to the introductions, weaving in the spirit of athleticism through their performances and class chants. The fusion of sports, art, and youthful energy made the day feel like a grand "moveable feast."

Following the parade, Doreen from Class 5(8) and Ms. Lu Luting, the Director of Puxi Campus Grades 4-5, delivered speeches. Doreen, who had been playing ice hockey since the age of three and a half, shared her journey of ice hockey learning. She spoke of the challenges of training, but more importantly, how the sport had taught her the true meaning of perseverance and sportsmanship. With a dream of joining the women’s ice hockey team, Doreen’s passion and dedication inspired everyone in attendance. Ms. Lu's speech expanded on the values behind sports. She reminded students that sports go far beyond winning and losing; they are about pushing limits, striving for excellence, building friendships, and finding joy in the journey. She also expressed heartfelt thanks to the teachers, parent volunteers, and behind-the-scenes staff who worked tirelessly to make the event a success.

As Ms. Lu concluded her speech, the music swelled, and in perfect synchrony, the students of Grades 4-5 opened their red fans with a unified "whoosh." Led by the PE teachers, the students danced to the rhythm, moving gracefully like butterflies, and sometimes displaying strength and precision like tall pines. The harmonious blend of fluidity and strength left the audience in awe.

The excitement continued with a special teacher dance performance. To the rousing melody of Croatian Rhapsody, ribbons twirled through the air as both Chinese and foreign teachers from Grades 4-5 brought their energy to the stage. The students erupted into cheers and applause, thrilled by the lively and dynamic performance. The teachers’ dance not only added a joyful highlight to the event but also inspired the students to give their all in the upcoming competitions.

Next, Mr. Liu Lian, Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, officially declared the start of this Sports Meet. The first event was the thrilling "Hula Hoop Relay," a friendly yet competitive showdown between students and teachers. The energy was infectious as the students and the teachers gave their best, filling the field with laughter and excitement.

A series of team-based events followed, designed to foster cooperation and teamwork. In the "Obstacle Relay," students navigated a series of challenging courses, passing the baton with precision and trust—a true test of both speed and team coordination. The creatively named "Penguin Run" saw students running while balancing watermelons, a fun yet demanding task that required careful coordination and teamwork. The audience was deeply attracted by this tense yet joyful activity.

As the day progressed, the spotlight turned to individual competitions. In the "50-Meter Dash," students raced toward the finish line with all their strength. The "Caterpillar Dash" required seamless teamwork, as students worked together to overcome obstacles. During events like the "Beanbag Throw" and "Standing Long Jump," young athletes demonstrated their power and agility, breaking records with every leap and throw. Additional challenge events such as "Around the World," "Twister Race" and "Number Castle," captivated participants with their fun and engaging nature, fueling the students' passion for sports.

The grand finale, the highly anticipated "8×50M Relay," brought the excitement to its peak. On the track, the competitors from each class raced neck and neck, pushing their limits as cheers and encouragement from the crowd spurred them on. Every baton exchange carried the weight of trust and responsibility, making the race an exhilarating spectacle for all.

The Sports Meet was a celebration not only of athletic skill but also of teamwork, camaraderie, and determination. On this field filled with passion and hard work, every student wrote their own story of success through their efforts. While the sports day has ended, the excitement continues as we look forward to the upcoming Sports Week. In the days ahead, students will have the chance to participate in a variety of engaging sports activities, discovering joy in competition, learning the value of cooperation, and growing through challenges.

Written by Yuanjing Zhang, Teng Chen, Cathy Cao

Pictures/Videos by Siying Li, Minxuan Cao, Parent Volunteers and Teachers

Edited by Cong Luo

Supervised by Cong Luo, Judah Kuhn