October brought a refreshing autumn breeze and a renewed spirit of excitement to the campus. On October 13, 2026, Pudong Campus gathered for its annual Sports Meet. Accompanied by uplifting music and spirited chants, students marched onto the field with confidence and enthusiasm. The campus became a stage for youthful energy, where anticipation filled the air and every eager heart was ready for the challenges ahead. A memorable journey of perseverance, teamwork, and growth had begun.

In her opening address, Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of the Lower School Section of the International Division, offered her warm wishes to the school community and encouraged students to embrace the joy of sport without being overly concerned about winning or losing. She invited everyone to take that first brave step, feel the exhilaration of running, challenge themselves through jumping, and discover the joy of working together. Whether or not they stood on the podium, every sincere effort and courageous attempt deserved to be celebrated. Ms. Liu then officially declared the 2026 Pudong Campus Sports Meet open, setting the field abuzz with applause and excitement.

Mr Wu Xiaodong, Director of Pudong Campus, then shared an important lesson about sport and personal growth: true courage does not mean never failing, but finding the strength to keep going when things do not go as planned. He encouraged students to give their best and strive for improvement without allowing a mistake or a ranking to define them. Competition, he reminded them, need not divide people; it can inspire everyone to grow together. When a teammate gets ahead, we can set new goals for ourselves. When someone feels disappointed, a word of encouragement, a smile, or a round of applause can make all the difference. Mr Wu hoped that students would learn not only to challenge themselves, but also to appreciate and support others. After all, beyond the final score lie the perseverance, friendships, and joy that make sport truly meaningful.

Next, Cameron from Class 5-1 took the stage to share a remarkable football story. He began with a touch of humor, admitting that he usually felt more comfortable with a football at his feet than standing in front of an audience. He then took everyone back to an unforgettable match. At halftime, his team was trailing 0–3, and victory seemed almost impossible. Yet the players refused to give up. They refocused on every pass, every touch, and every shot. In the second half, they scored three goals to bring the game level at 3–3. With only two minutes remaining, the ball came to Cameron. Despite being some distance from the goal, he decided to take his chance. The ball flew into the net—and the score became 4–3! What had seemed like a lost cause became an extraordinary comeback, achieved through the collective effort of the entire team.

From this experience, Cameron drew three lessons: Teamwork, Persistence, and Courage. No player can create a miracle alone; true success grows from the efforts of an entire team. Persistence means staying focused and refusing to give up when the odds seem impossible. Courage means believing in ourselves, accepting responsibility, and daring to act when an opportunity appears. His story was more than a thrilling last-minute goal; it carried a simple yet powerful message: we cannot guarantee success every time, but we can choose to give every opportunity our best. Cameron ended by encouraging everyone to enjoy the Sports Meet—to enjoy the competition, the teamwork, and the person they become when they give their all.

Following the lively health exercises and martial arts performance, the competitions got underway. From the excitement of younger students trying their hand at new challenges to the confidence of older students taking on greater demands, each grade brought its own spirit to the field. Speed and strength thrilled the crowd, while teamwork and perseverance made equally powerful impressions. Every determined effort offered another glimpse of students growing through sport.

G1 | Brave Beginnings, Joyful Steps

For our G1 students, the Sports Meet was an exciting opportunity to discover the joy of taking part. They stepped onto the field with curiosity and enthusiasm, embracing each challenge through running, jumping, and playful activities. Their movements may still have carried the innocence of early childhood, but their determination, concentration, and bright smiles in response to encouragement spoke volumes. Growth does not have to begin with a spectacular achievement. Sometimes, the bravest first step is simply being willing to try.

G2 | Fun Relay Races: Teamwork in Motion

The G2 field came alive with the excitement of the fun relay races! As the events began, young participants threw themselves into the challenge, moving forward through one energetic leg after another. More than a test of speed, the relay was a celebration of coordination and teamwork. Every handover represented trust, and every run carried the hopes of the team. Cheers echoed from the sidelines as students rallied behind their classmates and applauded everyone who gave their best. With its lively pace, joyful atmosphere, and shared sense of purpose, the fun relay became a highlight of G2's day—reminding everyone that a team can go further when each member contributes their part.

G3 | Moving Together, Growing Together

On the G3 field, the excitement of competition went hand in hand with the value of teamwork. Students took part with enthusiasm and determination while remaining attentive to those around them. An encouraging look or a heartfelt cheer could give a teammate an extra boost. The competitions offered a valuable reminder that individual effort matters, but trust and mutual support can make a team even stronger. Whatever the outcome, learning to move forward alongside others is one of the most rewarding lessons sport can offer.

G4 | Growing Through Challenges, Moving Forward Together

G4 students brought determination and a growing sense of purpose to the field. As they took on different sporting challenges, they worked to find their rhythm, summon their strength, and explore their potential through every sprint and jump. Progress may not always be immediate, but every moment of preparation and perseverance contributes to growth. The parent-child three-legged race added another heartwarming dimension to the day. Standing side by side, parents and children worked together to find a shared rhythm through communication, trust, and coordination. The occasional misstep brought laughter, while every adjustment became a lesson in patience and cooperation. With their families beside them, students experienced the strength that encouragement can bring. From determined efforts on the field to the warmth of moving forward together, the day offered lasting memories of growth, connection, and shared joy.

G5 | Leading by Example, Inspiring Through Sport

As the oldest students on the field, G5 participants had the opportunity not only to challenge themselves, but also to demonstrate the responsibility and sportsmanship expected of growing leaders. Giving their best and persevering through challenges reflected their commitment to competition, while cheering for others and respecting every effort showed their understanding of what sport truly means. Wins and losses alike offered lessons in accepting outcomes with grace and learning from experience. Every decision on the field became an opportunity to grow. May these students carry forward a spirit that combines determination with kindness, ambition with humility, and personal achievement with appreciation for others.

As the final event concluded, the cheers gradually gave way to lingering smiles and conversations, bringing the 2026 Pudong Campus Sports Meet to a joyful close. Looking back, the day was filled with the thrill of crossing the finish line, the surprise of discovering new strengths, and the courage to begin again after disappointment. There was determination in every personal effort and kindness in every cheer for others. Not every moment will appear on a scoreboard, but each one can become a treasured memory along the journey of growing up.

The beauty of sport lies in far more than speed or distance. It teaches us that victory deserves celebration, but failure is never the end; that striving for excellence can go hand in hand with genuinely celebrating the achievements of others. As Cameron's story reminds us, remarkable turnarounds are often born from persistence, a team that lifts one another up, and the courage to take that first step. May our students carry this spirit beyond the field—daring to try, meeting both success and setbacks with grace, appreciating the journey as they pursue excellence, and reaching out to help others shine along the way.

(Written by Duoyi Jin
Pictures by Pudong Campus Teachers and Parent Volunteers
Reviewed by Xiaodong Wu, Shiyu Wu)