As the scorching days of summer gradually yield to the crisp embrace of early fall, the eagerly anticipated 2023 SHSID High School Sports Week. Under the theme of "Crossing Borders: Our International Sports Journey", this week-long activity provided students and teachers with a series of opportunities to experience a wide range of sports and enjoy the spirit of friendship and competition.

On the morning of October 12, 2023, SHSID High School held an unprecedented opening ceremony of the Sports Carnival in the indoor basketball stadium. Mr. Feng Zhigang, Principal of SHS, Ms. Zhang Zehong, Secretary General of SHS, Mr. Liu Maoxiang, Vice Secretary General of SHS, Mr. Ma Feng, Principal of SHSID High School and other SHSID administrators attended the ceremony to cheer for the athletes. The opening ceremony was kicked off by a video produced by the SHSID Student Media Group, showing the fun activities that students experienced during this week. Representatives from all grades in the high school section presented a unique performance centered on "Sports in Dunhuang Culture". Ninth grade students were incarnated as vigorous and elegant swordsmen, and their moves showed the students' hard work on sports and traditional culture; tenth grade students presented a fierce wrestling scene, which expressed the spirit of never giving up and perseverance, which is also are flection of the Stallion Spirit; eleventh grade students first held a flatboat, and then showed the more intense sport, dragon boat and rowing, which embodied the courage of students to ride against challenges. The twelfth grade students took their bodies as arrows and demonstrated that they would run towards the goal with determination and perseverance. The students of the"Longyin Club" brought dances full of Chinese flavor, instantly transforming the stadium into a music and dance feast on the Silk Road. Afterwards, Mimi from grade 11, as representative of student athletes, went on stage to share her exciting experiences in the process of adhering to rowing. Then, two dragons danced by SHSID Chinese and foreign teachers flew from the flower balls, representing the pathway of SHSID has gone through in the past 30 years, and also exhibiting SHSID will continue to strive in the future. Finally, Principal Ma Feng delivered a speech, in which he encouraged all the students to carry forward the spirit of unity and striving and surpass themselves. He hoped that the students could harvest friendship, personal growth, culture and fun in the carnival.

In the stadium, the Chinese traditional sports experience area attracted the attention of a large number of students. Many students have only heard of the program such as pitcher, trundling an iron hoop, diabolo, spinning a top, but finally had the chance to try them in this carnival. Many students at first were a little hesitant, however, as they gradually understood the rules, more and more students became eager to try them out. Applause and cheers rose and fell on the field, and the charm of traditional Chinese sports was fully demonstrated in the wonderful performances!

The carnival also opened the indoor icerink and laser shooting stadium for students to experience the unique sensation of dancing on the ice and the intense excitement of shooting. The school also organized mini carnivals for various sports such as basketball, table tennis, badminton, darts and baseball. These activities brought students together in sweat and laughter, not only to enhance physical health, but also to promote thestudents' sense of unity, cooperation, hard work and fair play.

Accompanied by the loud whistle, all classes are in full swing to prepare for the team project. In the "super wheeler" spot, the students worked in synchrony, moving with a firm pace as they shuffled their fabric towards the front, allowing the different teams to move forward in a vibrant representation of the competitive spirit and teamwork. Meanwhile, students at the sides also cheered on their classes, shouting out words of encouragement and cheering for their friends and peers. A similar scene can be seen as well in the physically demanding challenge of air balloon relay, where students ran and dodged flexibly through the rows of columns in their way, panting, but pushing themselves for their team mates. The sounds of handsclapping, from both the competitors and the bystanders, was truly motivating and invigorating. Meanwhile, in the interesting competition, “Caterpillar”, the team members all shuffled along with a large caterpillar balloon, laughing and enjoying the fun of being with friends and the event itself.

At the same time, music also blared out from the grand auditorium as groups of students went on stage for the cheerleading competition. With the changing of different songs, the different classes also carried out varied dances, but one thing that did not change was the youthful passion and energy that was expressed to its full extent through the melodies and lights. Every classdanced in beautiful harmony, and demonstrated perfectly yet another side ofteam-work.

In the students vs teachers matches, participants competedwith enthusiasm and vigor. Basketball, volleyball, soccer, and dodgeball eachshowed exciting moments, and the passionate competition was a reflection of theharmonious relationship between teachers and students. Whether on or off thecourt, the audience was immersed in the atmosphere of sports, and the whole campus was filled with laughter and the charm of competition.

Furthermore, the students enthusiastically cast their valuable votes for their beloved and respected teachers to participate in the traditional charity run event. They cheered these teachers on wholeheartedly, inspiring them to persevere and complete the entire race, spreading warmth and love to those in need. The students spared no effort in expressing deep respect and gratitude towards these teachers, their cheers and applause echoed throughout the running track, infusing the charity run with boundless energy and motivation. This beautiful scene showcased the students' spirit of unity and cooperation, as well as their unwavering support for their beloved teachers, highlighting a sincere emotion and a spirit of dedication.

Thanks to the hard work of all the volunteers who made the SHSIDers gain so many unforgettable experiences. This event was full of energy and glory, fun and culture. So far, the 2023 SHSID High School Sports Carnival has come to a successful end, but the power of striving and fighting will never stop, SHSID will definitely exude new vitality in the future!

Written by | 10(1) Letitia Lai, 10(4) Rachel Li, 10(5) Sophia Fang, 10(10) Jessica Huang,

10(13) Gabrielle Dai

Supervised by | Ms. Wang Mengli