On May 24th, the “Experience China: The 15th Shanghai Region and 3^rd Yangtze River Delta HEIs International Students Dragon Boat Race” ignited passion on Tonghai Lake at Fengxian Campus of East China University of Science and Technology. Co-organized by the China Scholarship Council, Shanghai Municipal Education Commission, and the International Student Education Research Committee of International Education Association Shanghai, the event gathered 33 university teams from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, and Anhui provinces for a thrilling competition of speed and teamwork. The newly established international student dragon boat team from our university’s School of Overseas Education made a remarkable debut, securing the runner-up position with outstanding performance and bringing honor to our university.   

The race was divided into two stages: preliminary and final. On the day of the event, Tonghai Lake buzzed with excitement as university dragon boat teams geared up, eager to compete. Our university’s team comprised 23 members from countries such as Cameroon, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, with Jores, a Computer Science and Technology major, serving as the captain.

Despite facing 32 seasoned rival teams in their debut appearance, our university’s crew demonstrated unwavering resolve. At the preliminary whistle, 18 oarsmen synchronized their powerful strokes to the drummer’s rhythm, sending cascading waves propelling the boat forward at breakneck speed. Clocking 54.31 seconds, they advanced to the final eight with distinction. The intensity escalated in the championship round as traditional powerhouses like Fudan University, Zhejiang University, and East China Normal University emerged as formidable opponents. Through keen observation of preliminary technical maneuvers by seven competing teams, our international athletes swiftly adapted strategies. With drummer Sadd setting a thunderous tempo, the crew chanted in unison “One! Two! One! Two!” as they surged past competitors, ultimately securing the runner-up position with a remarkable 54.03-second finish. The lakeside erupted in thunderous applause as our students embraced in triumph, many moved to tears by the historic achievement.

“This victory is gained with our efforts!” exclaimed Captain Jores, “Through relentless training, we persevered through countless trials and injuries. Today’s result proves that unity breeds strength!” Drummer Sadd added emotionally, “Beyond making friends during this competition, I’ve truly grasped the Chinese wisdom of ‘pull together in times of trouble’!”

Prior to the race, international students from host institution East China University of Science and Technology delivered a vibrant display of traditional dragon and lion dances, igniting the atmosphere and immersing nearly 800 competitors from 102 nations in the diversity of Chinese culture.

By participating in this dragon boat race, our international students not only deepened their understanding of China’s excellent traditional culture through athletic engagement but also personally experienced the charm of Chinese culture. Moving forward, the university will persist in establishing cultural exchange platforms, orchestrating greater involvement of international students in major competitions, and promoting the sports spirit of “solidarity and relentless pursuit of excellence”. We aim to invigorate the “Spirit of the Ship”, amplify narratives of China and Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, and nurture more globally minded talents who “know China, befriend China, and love China”.