Running Youth: A Remarkable Collaboration for Future Champions
Ah, November 8, 2024! A day that rings in joy and spirited athleticism as the Beijing Xingneng Charity Foundation buddying up with a whole cavalcade of fancy names—ICBC, the Youth Department of the State Sports General Administration, and the China National Sports Foundation—kicked off the “Running Youth” sports event! Where, you ask? At the illustrious and bustling Dongshan Primary School and a hop skip away at Chengguan Primary School, both located smack-dab in Jinyang County!
Now, when I say this event received the local government’s warm embrace, I’m not talking about some passive thumbs-up. No, this was the full-on, energy-injected high-five with a sparkle in the eye! With a whopping 28 physical education teachers from the local school present, and 21 teachers from the district tagging along for this educational τσάι (that’s tea for our non-Greek friends), it was harder to spot a wall than a PE teacher!
Championing the Champions
At the heart of the event were some serious heavyweights, quite literally: Olympic legends like Gao Min (diving), Yang Xiuli (judo), Wang Rui (Paralympic table tennis), and Song Nina (volleyball) were there to impart wisdom. Now, if *I* had these legends chairmaning my school’s sports day, I would have swapped my books for a pair of running shoes in a heartbeat! They shared tales of triumph—cue goosebumps—and more importantly, the grit of facing defeat. Because let’s face it, life isn’t all about finding the remote control with the TV volume on mute.
The Power of Sportsmanship
Peng Zhaowu, the deputy secretary of the Jinyang County Committee, threw in a speech that would’ve made Shakespeare proud—except instead of tragic love stories, we had tales of educational ambition! “With the loving help of all these champions,” he proclaimed, “we must tell championship stories and draw on the power of role models.” Well, if his mere words can inspire a generation, imagine what a motivational poster could do!
But let’s put the spotlight back on our champions, shall we? Gao Min shared her Olympic glory days with a cheeky reminder that every failure is a stepping stone wrapped in a snazzy bow called “experience.” She encouraged students to set ‘doable’ goals each day. Small steps, people! Small steps! It’s all in the journey—kind of like my attempts at running… and subsequently tripping over my own shoes.
A Day Filled with Energy
Then, as if the day couldn’t get any more spirited, Yang Xiuli led a series of high-energy exercises—jumping jacks and high-legged runs! Honestly, I don’t know what’s more impressive: her ability to inspire fitness or my capacity to binge-watch five seasons of a series without a heartbeat. The message was crystal clear: even champions experience setbacks, but hey, do we fold over? Absolutely not!
And who could forget Wang Rui’s unabashed tenacity in the face of challenges? She brilliantly reminded students that “the road to championship isn’t a smooth one.” Thanks for the heads up! I thought my road to the fridge was bumpy! Remember, folks, every push-up counts, especially when counted by a champion.
In the Name of Education!
The day ended on a feel-good note with Li Jian awarding certificates to PE teachers like a real-life version of “The X Factor.” Students who flexed their talent were showered with postcards signed by the champions, giving them a little motivation to chase those dreams like they’re the last pair of limited-edition sneakers on the shelf.
So what’s the takeaway from all this athletic exuberance? Simple—the Beijing Xingneng Foundation is not just tossing around inspired tales; they’ve been making waves in over 22 provinces! Their efforts snagged the hearts of hundreds of schools, boosting the athletic prowess of teachers through hands-on training led by these champs. It’s now clearer than day; this event served as a springboard for the younger generation to not just aspire to be champions but to be champions in life!
On November 8, 2024, the Beijing Xingneng Charity Foundation, in collaboration with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the Youth Department of the State Sports General Administration, and the China National Sports Foundation, commenced the exciting “Running Youth” sports initiative at Dongshan Primary School and Chengguan Primary School in Jinyang County. This special charity event, designed to support aspiring teaching champions, garnered significant interest and support from the local government. Notably, 28 dedicated physical education teachers from area schools actively participated, while an additional 21 teachers attended to observe the activities, leading to an impressive total of 572 school students joining in the excitement.
Among the event’s esteemed guests were celebrated athletes such as Gao Min, the founder of the Beijing Xingneng Charity Foundation and Olympic diving champion, alongside fellow Olympic champions Yang Xiuli (judo), Wang Rui (Paralympic table tennis), and Song Nina (volleyball). These sports icons shared empowering tales under the theme “Being Your Own Champion,” drawing upon their personal journeys in sports to instill a spirit of resilience and determination in the students. Their talk focused on embracing both the joys of victory and the lessons of defeat, encouraging young attendees to cultivate a champion’s mindset within their own lives. Additionally, the day featured open physical education classes led by the school’s teachers, emphasizing vital capacity exercises, proper running postures, and core strength through sit-ups.
The event also attracted key figures including Li Jian, secretary-general of the Beijing Xingneng Charity Foundation, Zeng Hua, leader of the Jinyang working group from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Peng Zhaowu, deputy secretary of the Jinyang County Committee of the Communist Party of China, along with principals and leaders from both primary schools.
During his speech, Peng Zhaowu emphasized the strategic importance of education within the Jinyang County Party Committee and County Government’s development plans. He acknowledged the support of provincial leaders and underscored the impact of the champions’ presence at the event, stating, “With the loving help of all the champions, we are even more confident in our mission to provide quality education that meets the needs of our community. We strive to tell the stories of champions, draw inspiration from their feats, and advance with a spirit of gratitude.”
Zeng Hua, from the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, reiterated the significance of the “Champions Entering Campus” initiative, which aims to foster a culture of excellence in education. He expressed hopes that the inspiring experiences shared by sports icons would motivate educators to adopt innovative teaching methods that could cultivate budding sports talent within Jinyang County.
Gao Min inspired students with her theme “Be Your Own Champion,” reflecting on her incredible journey to Olympic gold at just 18 years old. Sharing insights from her life, she encouraged students to set small daily goals, appreciate their journey, and learn from both successes and setbacks in pursuit of their dreams.
In an engaging demonstration, judo Olympic champion Yang Xiuli led students in physical exercises, such as jumping jacks and high-leg running. Drawing from her 17 years of experience as an athlete, she shared the importance of maintaining a positive attitude amid various challenges, including failures and injuries, reinforcing the spirit of sportsmanship.
Volleyball Olympic champion Song Nina shared her arduous experiences on the path to Olympic success and provided students with practical insights into volleyball techniques and the significance of dedication in sports.
Since its inception, the Beijing Xingneng Foundation has positively influenced physical education across over 22 provinces, providing professional training to hundreds of schools. Through direct mentorship from elite athletes and coaches, the foundation has empowered PE teachers to enhance their skills. The successful execution of this event brought renewed enthusiasm to physical education in Jinyang County, allowing students to closely engage with Olympic champions, fostering a deeper love for sports and inspirational life lessons.
**Interview with Gao Min: Championing Youth Through Sports**
**Editor**: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Gao Min, the Olympic diving champion and founder of the Beijing Xingneng Charity Foundation. Gao, you were part of the “Running Youth” event that took place on November 8, 2024, in Jinyang County. Can you tell us what inspired you to participate in this initiative?
**Gao Min**: Thank you for having me! The inspiration comes from my desire to give back to the community and to help empower the next generation. Sports taught me resilience, and I believe that sharing my experiences can motivate young people to pursue their dreams, both in athletics and in life.
**Editor**: The event had a remarkable turnout with over 500 students and numerous physical education teachers involved. What was the atmosphere like?
**Gao Min**: It was absolutely electric! The energy was palpable. Seeing so many excited faces made it clear how much these students valued the opportunity to engage with former champions. We shared personal stories of both triumph and defeat, which helped bridge a connection with the students, showing them that setbacks are part of the journey to success.
**Editor**: You mentioned sharing stories about overcoming failures. How do you think that resonated with the young attendees?
**Gao Min**: I hope it resonated deeply! I emphasized that every failure is a learning experience—a stepping stone wrapped in the gift of “experience.” It’s vital for young people to realize that perseverance is key. When they face challenges, they shouldn’t feel discouraged; they should view those moments as opportunities to grow.
**Editor**: There were various physical activities led by other champions like Yang Xiuli. Can you highlight the importance of such hands-on experiences for the students?
**Gao Min**: Absolutely! Engaging in physical activities helps students develop not only fitness but also teamwork and discipline. When they interact with champions and participate in exercises, it breaks down barriers and encourages them to be active, which is crucial for their overall well-being. Plus, it’s a fun way to learn!
**Editor**: During the event, Deputy Secretary Peng Zhaowu spoke about the strategic importance of education and role models. How do you see the intersection of education and athletics?
**Gao Min**: Education and athletics go hand in hand. Athletics teaches critical life skills such as discipline, focus, and resilience—qualities that can enhance academic pursuits. Role models in sports can inspire students to strive for excellence, not just in the field but also in the classroom. It’s about creating a well-rounded individual.
**Editor**: what is your hope for the future of initiatives like “Running Youth”?
**Gao Min**: My hope is that we can continue to expand this initiative and reach even more students across China. Everyone deserves the chance to chase their dreams with the support of mentors and role models. Programs like this can create a ripple effect—encouraging kids to embrace a champion’s mindset, whether in sports, studies, or beyond.
**Editor**: Thank you so much for your time, Gao. Your insights are truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact of these initiatives on future generations.
**Gao Min**: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure. Let’s keep championing the youth!