As the cool autumn breeze swept through the Puxi Campus, students from Grades 4 and 5 embraced the long-awaited Sports Week. Over the course of the week, they pushed their limits, poured their energy into every activity, and let their youthful spirit shine across the campus.

At the Sports Meet on Tuesday, students dressed in neat sports T-shirts with colorful, freehand rainbow patterns that sparkled under the sun, complementing the diverse and exciting competition events. On the playground, there was a constant sound of laughter and joy, with various intense and thrilling competitions proceeding orderly, marking the prelude to the exciting Sports Week.

On Wednesday, the teaching building came alive with color and creativity for “Sports Hat Day.” Students sported a variety of hats, from hockey helmets to baseball caps and cycling helmets, turning the campus into a vibrant, lively scene. Fourth graders took part in a unique "Sports Talk Show" during their PE class. Standing before their classmates, they shared personal stories about their experiences with sports—whether it was the nervous excitement of playing basketball for the first time, the discipline they gained from running, or the camaraderie and pride they found competing alongside their teammates. These heartfelt stories were filled with lessons about growth, resilience, and friendship.

Meanwhile, fifth graders participated in a sports trivia competition organized by the ASB members. The classroom buzzed with excitement as students tested their knowledge of the history of sports, basic rules, and fun facts about famous athletes. The competitive tension was light, replaced by laughter and the joy of learning. Every sport celebrated today has a rich history, built upon the dedication and hard work of generations of athletes. The trivia competition offered a glimpse into that history, broadening the students’ understanding of the world of sports and sparking their curiosity.

Thursday brought a wave of fun and excitement with “Sports Socks Day.” Students donned colorful and vibrant socks, adding an extra splash of energy to the teaching building. Fourth graders participated in a team challenge that tested both their physical and mental abilities. Each student played a critical role in the group’s success: the “looker” used keen observation skills to capture and share key details, the “speaker” acted as the group’s communicator, and the “builder” was tasked with constructing a structure using paper cups. Despite facing challenges, the students worked together, encouraging one another and coming up with creative solutions to achieve their goals. This activity was more than just a test of skill; it was a lesson in teamwork and perseverance, allowing students to grow through collaboration and shared effort.

Fifth graders also took part in a series of diverse activities. The basketball court was divided into different zones, each offering a unique challenge. Some zones focused on physical endurance, where students performed exercises like planks and burpees, while others required teamwork, such as guiding a ball along a series of pipes without letting it fall. The success of this activity depended on the team’s coordination, patience, and communication. Other activities, like group jump rope, brought students together as they worked in unison to break records, sharing the joy of each new accomplishment.

The afternoon’s tug-of-war event brought the day to a thrilling climax. Representing their classes, each student gave their all, pulling with every ounce of strength. The rope was a symbol of unity, tying the entire class together in a collective effort. Whether they won or lost, the students celebrated each other’s efforts, embodying the true spirit of sportsmanship. In a surprising twist, the students even managed to beat the teachers in a friendly student-teacher match, proudly defending their youthful energy. To cap off the day, students watched inspiring sports films such as Cool Runnings, The Sandlot, and Space Jam, deepening their appreciation for the perseverance, teamwork, and resilience that are at the heart of athletic competition.

Friday marked the grand finale of Sports Week. Students came dressed as their favorite sports stars, filling the teaching building with laughter and excitement. Some students, admiring the diving champion Quan Hongchan, deliberately carried cute little turtle cushions on their backs, symbolizing the resilience and perseverance shown by Quan Hongchan in every movement. Other students donned professional taekwondo uniforms, showcasing the strength and beauty of martial arts.This day gave them a chance to connect with one another, share their sports interests, and make new friends with similar passions. Fourth graders participated in a series of fun games, including “Red Light, Green Light” and “Zombie Tag,” which tested their agility and reaction time. Other games, like “Ships and Sailors” and “Knock Out,” fostered teamwork and responsibility. These activities not only honed the students’ physical coordination and quick thinking but also allowed them to build friendships and create lasting memories in a fun and energetic atmosphere.

Although the Sports Week has come to an end, the enthusiasm of the students continued to echo throughout the teaching building. The event not only enriched their school experience but also helped them grow as individuals. Looking forward, it’s clear that these students will carry their passion for sports with them, continually striving to surpass their limits and approach every challenge with confidence and determination.

Written by Teng Chen, Cathy Cao

Pictures/Videos by Minxuan Cao, Teachers

Edited by Cong Luo

Reviewed by Luting Lu, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo, Judah Kuhn