At the start of the 2024 academic year, Peking University held its First Run of the New Term at the May Fourth Sports Field and at the all-weather sports field of its Shenzhen Graduate School. The event marked a new starting point for incoming students and reflected Cai Yuanpei's educational view that physical education is foundational to the development of the whole person.
At Peking University's May Fourth Sports Field, Paris Olympic champions Ma Long, Chen Meng, Pan Zhanle and Feng Yu attended alongside Gao Zhidan of the General Administration of Sport of China, Peking University Party Secretary Hao Ping, President Gong Qihuang and other representatives. At the Shenzhen Graduate School's all-weather sports field, attendees included table-tennis Grand Slam champion Ding Ning; Peking University honorary trustee and Songhe Capital founding partner Li Wei; DBC Group founder Lin Fanqiu, a recipient of Peking University's Education Contribution Award; and Peking University Vice President and Shenzhen Graduate School Dean Zhang Jin. Students, faculty and guests at both venues witnessed the event and its message of sporting spirit, responsibility and hope.
The Power of Olympic Champions: Drawing Spirit and Courage from Sports
Peking University's 'First Run of the New Term' is not just a running event; it is also a spiritual cleansing and challenge. The presence of Olympic champions, who demonstrated resilience, focus, and perseverance in their competitions, provided profound inspiration and strength to the freshmen, encouraging them to bravely move forward on their new academic journey.
Ma Long, the Paris Olympic champion in table tennis, expressed his warm welcome after a decade of absence. Reflecting on his time at Peking University, he encouraged freshmen to be grounded and bold in pursuing their dreams. Ma Long's achievements demonstrated that sports are not only physical exercise but also a test of willpower. It is this unwavering attitude that helps individuals advance on their dream paths.
Pan Zhanle cited the idea that a long journey is built step by step: success is accumulated through sustained effort rather than achieved overnight. He encouraged incoming students to build strength through each workout and to treat every drop of sweat as part of the foundation for future progress. He added that, when facing future difficulties and challenges, remaining true to one's original aspiration and continuing to work hard can lead to moments of achievement.
Chen Meng encouraged the freshmen to bravely pursue their dreams and work together. She expressed her hope for everyone's continued success at Peking University. Her experience demonstrated how one can grow from setbacks and showed that sports shine not only during victories but also teach resilience in facing failures, encouraging one to rise again and move forward.
Feng Yu encouraged the freshmen to maintain an open mindset in their studies and reminded them not to fear failure or easily give up. She hoped that students would shine in their respective fields, bravely facing challenges. Feng Yu believes that the spirit of 'not fearing defeat and not giving up' will help students achieve greater success and growth in the future.
Ding Ning, a multiple Olympic champion in table tennis, highlighted the importance of sports in fostering resilience and self-discipline. She shared how she maintained composure under pressure and found inner peace and strength in extreme situations. This mindset is crucial not only on the competitive field but also in academic and future life. Ding Ning believes that through sports training, freshmen can not only strengthen their physical fitness but also develop inner resilience to face various challenges in the future.
Innovative Technology: Enhanced Sports Facilities at Peking University
To improve students' sports experience, Peking University has continued to invest in campus sports facilities. Following the previous upgrading of the May Fourth Sports Field and the 400-meter DPU running track at the New Yanyuan campus, the all-weather sports field at the Shenzhen Graduate School was also upgraded during the summer, continuing the university's work on sports facilities.
All three 400-meter standard circular tracks across Peking University's three campuses are equipped with DPU rubberized running track systems. These systems meet the dual standards of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) and the Chinese Athletics Association (CAA), and maintain over 35% impact absorption performance in extreme cold weather, effectively protecting athletes' knee joints. Compared to traditional tracks, which can suffer from elasticity degradation and reduced anti-slip performance due to low temperatures or prolonged use, DPU tracks, with their innovative materials, significantly enhance durability and safety. This ensures that athletes can enjoy safe, environmentally friendly, and professional sports experiences regardless of weather conditions. This technological upgrade not only improves safety but also significantly enhances students' overall sports experience.
Building Strength through Sports: Cultivating Character and Responsibility
Through this meaningful run, the freshmen not only gained physical exercise but also spiritual strength. Sports carry more than just physical challenges; they also instill inner resilience and transcendence in the face of adversity. The courage and perseverance cultivated through sports training form the foundation for overcoming difficulties in future studies and life.
During their runs, the freshmen gained insights into continuously refining themselves and strengthening their willpower. Sports endowed them with the strength to face the unknown and unwavering belief, enabling them to meet every challenge on their future journey, no matter how arduous. Through the trials of sports, they learned to maintain inner stability and direction amidst change and uncertainty, constantly exploring their potential and becoming more fulfilled and complete individuals.
