Driven by youthful energy and a spirit of determination, our university held the 2026 Spring Track and Field Games from April 23 to 24 at the East Campus stadium. Faculty and students gathered to take part in a vibrant sporting event featuring teamwork, vitality, and perseverance.
At 8:30 a.m. on April 23, the opening ceremony officially began. Attendees included Shu Weifang, Director of the Department of Physical, Health and Arts Education of the Henan Provincial Department of Education; principals from four high schools in Xinzheng; student representatives from Henan University; Dr. Shawn Chen, Founder and Chairman of the University; as well as members of the university leadership team and all mid-level administrators.
At the opening ceremony, the honor guard, referee teams, and athlete delegations from various academic schools and residential colleges entered the stadium in high spirits and with confident strides. The national flag guard appeared dignified and impressive, while each formation was well-organized and full of energy, showcasing the vitality and positive spirit of Sias students.
All attendees rose to sing the national anthem of the People’s Republic of China, with the solemn melody echoing across the stadium. Following this, Dr. Shawn Chen lit the torch, symbolizing the spirit of sports and youthful strength. The flame burned brightly, drawing warm applause and creating an enthusiastic atmosphere.
Niu Xiaoyu, Secretary of the University Party Committee, delivered the opening address. He noted that sports play a vital role in improving public health and promoting all-round human development. The university adheres to the “Health First” philosophy, upholds moral education as a fundamental mission, and integrates physical education into the entire talent cultivation process to foster intellectual growth, strengthen character, and build resilience.
He encouraged all athletes to strive for excellence and surpass themselves, urged referees to uphold fairness and professionalism, and called on all faculty and students to actively participate and enjoy sports. He emphasized that the spirit of perseverance shown on the field should be transformed into motivation for academic progress and personal growth, inspiring students to move forward with determination and write their own vibrant chapter.
Athlete representative Zhang Xu and referee representative Xiong Yuan took solemn oaths, pledging to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship, strictly follow competition rules, and ensure fairness and integrity throughout the event.
The opening ceremony featured a series of spectacular cultural and artistic performances. In Chinese Kung Fu, intelligent robots performed alongside teachers and students, blending strength and grace while integrating traditional martial arts with modern technology. Tai chi fan routines and dragon dance performances were equally impressive, showcasing the power and elegance of Chinese martial arts.
Other performances, including Happy Pony, Dancing Youth, and Together for a Shared Future, were lively, energetic, and full of warmth. During the show, students formed large formations displaying “2026” and “SIAS,” creating a visually striking and memorable scene that brought the atmosphere to its peak. The performances were grand, creative, and dynamic, fully reflecting the university’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant campus life.
On the field, athletes competed with determination and gave their best. Sprinters raced with speed, long-distance runners showed endurance, relay teams demonstrated strong teamwork, and field event participants pushed their limits. Every sprint, jump, and throw reflected a spirit of perseverance and the pursuit of excellence.
Referees remained dedicated and ensured fair judgments, while staff members carried out their duties with care, providing strong support for the smooth running of the event. Around the field, spectators cheered enthusiastically, filling the stadium with energy, passion, and youthful vitality.
After two days of intense and exciting competition, the Games came to a successful close on the afternoon of April 24. Ma Ruihua, Chief Referee and Dean of the School of Physical Education, announced the final results. Vice President Yuan Guanglin and other leaders presented awards for the Sportsmanship Award and Special Contribution Award, while Niu Xiaoyu presented awards to the Best Male and Female Athletes and the top three teams in the student Group A category. The award ceremony was formal and celebratory, with continuous applause and cheers.
Niu Xiaoyu delivered the closing remarks. On behalf of the University Party Committee, he congratulated the teams and athletes for their outstanding achievements and expressed sincere thanks to all referees, staff, and volunteers. He emphasized that “Health First” is a key direction in building a strong education system, a fundamental part of moral education, and a core mission of higher education. He noted that this year’s Games were well-organized and vibrant, serving not only as a major sporting event for the university community but also as a reflection of the university’s commitment to national policies on sports and health.
Although the competitions have ended, the role of sports in education continues. He encouraged all faculty and students to carry forward the spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and resilience demonstrated on the field, turning it into motivation for study and work, making physical activity a regular part of life, and embracing responsibilities of the new era with strong bodies and a determined mindset.
This Spring Track and Field Games served as an important platform for our university to advance the development of a healthy campus and fully implement the “Health First” philosophy. It not only showcased the achievements of physical education and the overall fitness of students and staff, but also reflected the progress of campus culture and spirit.
The event lasted two days and featured 59 competitions, with nearly 3,000 student and staff athletes participating. Events were organized into multiple categories, including men’s and women’s student groups as well as staff divisions, covering track events, field events, and fun activities.
Looking ahead, the university will continue to uphold “Health First” as a defining principle of campus life. By building a comprehensive sports education system with full participation, broad coverage, and continuous engagement, the university will further enrich campus sports culture and turn the sports field into a space for strengthening willpower, shaping character, and encouraging perseverance. Through sports, all faculty and students will be guided to build physical strength, develop resilience, and unite their efforts, contributing sustained vitality to the university’s high-quality development.
