Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) opened its 35th Sports Meet on the morning of October 29 at the Wudong Athletics Field. University leaders and heads of schools and administrative departments attended the opening ceremony, along with special guest Bian Songquan, principal of the SUFE Affiliated Primary School and a recipient of a Shanghai municipal award for his contributions to education.
In his opening remarks, SUFE President Liu Yuanchun said the university had made physical education a priority in supporting students’ all-round development. He cited steady gains in student fitness following changes to the PE curriculum, the introduction of scheduled exercise breaks, and the implementation of the Student Physical Fitness Enhancement Action Plan. He encouraged athletes to compete at their best and uphold the Olympic spirit through fair play and friendship.
Guo Xiaoyang and Zhang Qingping took the athletes' oath on behalf of student and staff competitors, respectively. Huang Wenqi took the officials' oath.
Huang Xiangfeng, Chairperson of the University Council, declared the meet open. The ceremony also featured Leap Forward, Dynamic SUFE, a group gymnastics performance by nearly 400 students.
Following the opening ceremony, students competed in the tug-of-war finals and in the men's 1000-meter and women's 800-meter finals. The two races were part of a student competition based on physical fitness standards, a new addition to this year's meet. Faculty and staff took part in recreational events.
The meet featured 108 events across 17 categories, including athletics, swimming, rope skipping, soccer, basketball, volleyball, badminton, table tennis, tennis, pickleball, and recreational sports. Athletes made nearly 5000 event entries, and 410 gold medals were awarded.
Translated by: QIAO Xirui
