A table tennis competition recently took place at Shanghai Qibao High School, bringing together teenagers from the city and Taiwan in a friendly match. This event served as a prelude to the opening of the 2024 Cross-Strait Youth Vitality Carnival, which is set to kick off on Friday. The competition provided an opportunity for young athletes to showcase their skills and foster friendships across borders.
One of the participants, Xiao Zilin from Shanghai Wenlai Middle School, expressed her excitement at playing table tennis with her peers from Taiwan. She shared that her mother, who was a ping pong referee at the Paris Olympics, had brought back souvenirs that she now wanted to share with her new friends. This gesture highlights the spirit of camaraderie and cultural exchange that events like these aim to promote.
Wang Yun-zhuw, representing Changhua Art High School in Taiwan, was also present at the competition. She mentioned being impressed by the performance of Chinese mainland ping pong players during the Olympics, particularly gold medalists Wang Chuqin, Sun Yingsha, and Chen Meng. Wang expressed her desire to learn different table tennis skills from the Shanghai students, showcasing the mutual admiration and respect between athletes from both regions.
The event was graced by the presence of former world champion Wang Liqin, who not only kicked off the competition but also took the time to autograph items for the students. His involvement added a touch of prestige to the event and served as an inspiration for the young athletes present. Such interactions with renowned figures in the sport can have a lasting impact on aspiring players, motivating them to strive for excellence in their own pursuits.
The Cross-Strait Youth Vitality Carnival, organized by the Shanghai Association for the Promotion of Cross-Strait Exchanges, the Ma Ying-jeou Foundation, the Shanghai Association of Taiwan-Invested Enterprises, and the Shanghai Taiwan Compatriots Exchange Promotion Center, promises to be a vibrant and engaging event. With 13 exciting events planned, covering sports, culture, music, and services, the carnival aims to celebrate the spirit of youth and cross-cultural exchange.
Scheduled to unfold through late August, the carnival is a key highlight of the „Shanghai Summer“ campaign. The main events will be held at Shanghai World Expo Huangpu Sports Park, providing a platform for participants to showcase their talents and foster friendships across borders. Through events like these, young people from different regions can come together, learn from each other, and build lasting connections that transcend geographical boundaries.