Wang Liping went to campus to preach -God rewards those who work hard- and joined hands with art masters to seal their works

On October 22, the National Sports Cultural Development Center and the Hangzhou Sports Bureau jointly hosted the second event of the 2024 National Sports Cultural Promotion Series, titled “Igniting Hangzhou, Celebrating Dreams for the Olympics.” This gathering not only celebrated sports culture but also served as an inspiration for young students to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence.

The event featured a presentation by Wang Liping, the gold medalist in women’s 20 km race walking at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Speaking on the theme “Hard Work Pays Off,” she shared her personal experiences, detailing the hardships athletes face during training and how they cope with failures and overcome obstacles to achieve greatness. Her compelling narrative provided not just a cultural connection to sports but also motivated every student present to explore knowledge and continue striving for progress.

In a roundtable discussion, students asked Wang a variety of questions, ranging from training techniques to mental strategies for competition. She generously offered insights from her own journey and encouraged the students to prioritize resilience alongside academic performance, urging them to fearlessly chase their dreams. This positive energy set a powerful example, emphasizing that the essence of sports extends beyond physical strength to encompass mental fortitude as well.

The event also featured artwork created by distinguished artists, including Li Zao, a national-level fine artist and council member of the Xiling Seal Art Society, and Chen Mo, deputy secretary-general of the Zhejiang Province Ci Fu Association. Li Zao carved the piece titled “A Gallop in the Dust,” symbolizing the fearless spirit of athletes. Chen Mo composed a poem in honor of Wang Liping, praising her bravery and resilience. Together, they presented the artworks to the China Sports Museum, where they will be showcased to tell Wang Liping’s inspiring story.

Students from Hangzhou’s Jiangdong School also contributed by displaying their paintings, expressing their understanding and passion for sports through art.

The event culminated in Wang Liping participating in the winter long-distance running kickoff ceremony at Jiangdong School, where she led nearly 700 students in a 400-meter run. This dynamic moment illustrated the vitality of youth and the connection between dreams and reality.

The success of this event deepened students’ appreciation of sports culture and fostered a vibrant sports atmosphere within the school. More significantly, the face-to-face interaction with an Olympic champion provided invaluable life lessons on maintaining tenacity along life’s journey.

Looking ahead, the organizers announced that the promotion series will continue, with the “Hangzhou Sports Achievements Exhibition and National Sports Culture Touring Exhibition” scheduled for November. This initiative aims to further popularize sports culture and inspire more youth to embrace the spirit of sports, contributing to their physical and mental well-being, and advancing the nation’s athletic endeavors.

The National Sports Cultural Development Center’s ongoing initiative is focused on creatively conveying the spirit of sports to reach a broader audience, inviting everyone to join in the movement toward a healthier and more active lifestyle, while collectively crafting a cultural legacy in sports.