On September 1st, 2024, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School (PKUSZ) celebrated the opening of its renovated sports field after four months of construction, welcoming thousands of passionate new students to the track. This event was coordinated by the Student Affairs Office and the General Education Center, with collaboration from various schools at PKUSZ and relevant departments, showcasing a strong spirit of teamwork. It also received significant support from the Operations Management Preparatory Group of the University Town of Shenzhen. Additionally, 100 student volunteers from sports clubs, including the marathon team, participated in the "first run" event, which was hosted by Lin Zhiyi, a master's student in Financial Media from the Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS), class of 2023.
The First Run of the School Year
New Students from Various Schools
Academician Zhang Jin, a Standing Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Peking University Committee, Vice President of PKU and Chancellor of PKUSZ, was present along with Tan Wenchang, Secretary of the CPC PKUSZ Committee, other school leaders, and heads of functional departments. Also presenting were Wang Xiaorong, a Standing Committee Member of the Nanshan District Committee of Shenzhen and Minister of the Organization Department, Guan Wei, Director of the Taoyuan Sub-district Office of Nanshan, Wu Ying, a Class-IV Researcher in the Shenzhen Committee of the Communist Youth League of China, Lyu Tao, Deputy Leader of Operations Management Preparatory Group of the University Town of Shenzhen and a Class-IV Researcher in the Shenzhen Nanshan District Petition Bureau, and Li Wei, founding partner of Green Pine Capital, honorary alumnus of Peking University, and Vice President of the Peking University Alumni Association. More than 30 alumni representatives, including Lin Fanqiu, a director at DuBaiCheng Environmental Protection Engineering Co., Ltd (DBC), joined all the new students in the run. The event also featured a special guest, Ding Ning, Olympic table tennis champion, Grand Slam winner, deputy secretary of the Peking University Committee of China Communist Youth League, and teacher in the Department of Physical Education, who graced the occasion.
Attendees
Lin Zhiyi Hosts the Event
This year, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School admitted a total of 1,383 students, including 132 doctoral students, 1,251 master's students, and 131 international students from 30 provincial-level administrative regions in China and 43 countries and regions worldwide. The new students from various schools gathered and quickly built connections through ice-breaking activities, showcasing the spirit of unity and cooperation among PKU students.
Before the "first run" began, Ding Ning emphasized the importance of sportsmanship and physical activity on campus by sharing her experience as a table tennis player, highlighting how sports can positively impact personal development as well as physical and mental health. She encouraged both staff and students to engage in sports activities and praised PKUSZ's outstanding achievements in athletics. Finally, she urged the new students to embrace the upcoming semester with enthusiasm, carry their passion for running into all their endeavors, and enjoy their studies while maintaining a healthy lifestyle at Nanyan Yuan (PKUSZ).
Ding Ning Launched a Campaign Initiative
Zou Donglin, a second-year student from the School of Transnational Law and an individual bronze medalist at the National University Fencing Championship, shared his sports insights. He traced the profound heritage of PKU’s sports tradition back to Mr. Cai Yuanpei's belief that "a complete personality is firstly based on physical education". Drawing from his fencing experience, Zou Donglin spoke about the dedication and effort behind his achievements in competitions, expressing sincere gratitude for the supportive training environment provided by PKUSZ. In particular, he highlighted the renovated sports field, which features a DPU plastic track that significantly reduces sports injuries. He also introduced the diverse sports activities and clubs available on campus, as well as the PKU Champions’ Lecture project, which invites Olympic champions Ding Ning and Lin Dan to share their enthusiasm for sports and encourage students to draw strength from athletic pursuits.
Zou Donglin Giving Speech
Alumnus Li Wei reflected on the Nanyan Yuan Sports Fund and the Green Pine Cup marathon relay, noting that these activities not only enriched the campus sports culture but also demonstrated the perseverance and courage of PKU students. Drawing from his experiences climbing Mount Everest, he highlighted the importance of physical fitness, willpower, teamwork, and risk management. Li Wei encouraged students to embrace challenges and push their limits in both their academic and personal lives while remaining adaptable. He advised them to maintain good exercise habits, plan their time wisely, and actively participate in sports activities. Finally, he urged more students to challenge themselves and commit to leading a healthy lifestyle.
Li Wei Giving Speech
Teachers Lai Sha and Qin E from the General Education Center's Sports Group organized a pre-run warm-up for everyone, accompanied by rhythmic music. The warm-up not only helped students stretch their bodies but also fostered connections among participants.
Warm-up Activities
As Zhang Jin announced the start of the first run of the 2024 semester, then Wang Xiaorong, Li Wei, Tan Wenchang, Guan Wei, and Wu Ying, fired the starting gun. This instantly ignited the enthusiasm of the crowd, and teachers and students surged across the starting line, charging ahead.
Sounding the Starting Gun
That night, Nanyan Yuan witnessed the powerful and determined spirit of sportsmanship among the students. As we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, PKUSZ remains dedicated to the nation's call for innovation and progress, while students passionately pursue their aspirations for a brighter future.
As the song Ode to the Motherland played, the Chinese national flag appeared on the sports field. Physical education not only cultivates a complete personality but also fosters a stronger nation.
Teachers and Students Greet the National Flag
The song Yanyuan Qing marked the conclusion to the inauguration ceremony for the new sports field and the “first run” event. Yet, the passion for sports and the enthusiasm for future thrived from that night.
Singing Nanyan Qing
After the event, many new students said that the “first run” of the new academic year stimulated their determination and passion for their future studies and lives. The future belongs to the youth, and the students are steadily running toward their own paths.
More Highlights:
Further readings:
1. Since the renovation of the play field launched at the beginning of the year, PKUSZ has conducted extensive research on school facilities and gathered opinions from experts in relevant fields. The project officially commenced on May 7 and has now been completed and put into use, with a construction period lasting four months. Throughout the entire process, the construction team overcame adverse weather conditions, including persistent rain and high temperatures, ensuring the project was delivered on schedule through professional protective measures and diligent efforts.
2. The newly renovated sports field exemplifies the highest quality in terms of materials, designs, performance, as well as environmental sustainability and durability. The renovated sports field features an internationally advanced DPU rubber track system. This system integrates ETPU shock-absorbing technology, VOC purification technology, and UV resistance to aging, effectively reducing sports injuries while strictly controlling the release of harmful substances such as VOCs and formaldehyde, in compliance with the country’s most stringent environmental standards. Additionally, this track maintains over 40% impact absorption performance under changing weather conditions, significantly extending its lifespan. With these superior features, the track has also received Class-II certification from the Chinese Athletics Association, providing us with a professional, safe, and environmentally friendly sports venue.
3. The sports field is renovated among many other sports facilities on campus. They are a welcoming gift for new student at Nanyan Yuan, echoing with the notion "a complete personality is firstly based on physical education." The opening of the new sports field not only provides a professional venue for physical education classes and sports team training but also offers comprehensive facilities to help students develop good habits in physical exercise.
