On April 24, the International College(IC) of Xiamen University(XMU) hosted the "Youth Power, Rope Shines" spring fun competition, tug-of-war competition at the North Campus basketball court. The competition aimed to enrich campus life, strengthen class bonds and teamwork, and highlight the students' unity and vibrant spirit.

Teams assemble – Ready to compete

The competition was open to all classes in the college. A total of 11 classes and nearly 100 students actively participated with great enthusiasm. A single-elimination tournament format was adopted, with a best-of-three rule determining the final winner. The 11 teams were randomly assigned their matchups through on-site drawing, competing in pairs and advancing round by round, with the winning teams moving forward as they pushed hard for the ultimate honor. Every team member was in high spirits, fully prepared for the competition.

Before the matches began, Ma Xianghua, Deputy Party Secretary of the college, delivered a pre-competition mobilization speech. She encouraged all students to actively take part in campus sports activities, to build resilience and unite their strength through exercise, and to showcase the collaborative and competitive spirit of International College students. She also reminded everyone to stay safe while enjoying the fun of sports. Subsequently, Luo Liuhe, the class counsellor provided a detailed explanation of the tug-of-war rules and schedule, outlined the referees' responsibilities, and emphasized key safety precautions during the competition, guiding the participants to compete with discipline and sportsmanship. Su De and Jiang Zhenxing, the two class counsellors were invited to serve as referees, responsible for ensuring fairness and order throughout the event.

The tug-of-war competition brought intense energy to the court. With teachers joining each team, students pulled together with determination and perfect coordination. Off the court, cheering squads fueled the players with constant support. The event fully demonstrated the perseverance, teamwork, and youthful spirit of International College students.

Teachers and students unite – A heartwarming connection

A unique highlight was the exhibition match between the counselors and the semi-finalist teams. The friendly contest brought teachers and students closer, adding warmth and fun to the competition.

Honorary Moment – Spotlight on the Winners

After multiple rounds of intense competition, three teams stood out from the 11 participating classes with their outstanding endurance and seamless teamwork:

·Champion: Class 23GTB-1

·Runner-up: Class 25E-3

·Second Runner-up: Class 24GTB

Congratulations to all the winning classes! May every class cherish this honor, continue striving, and forever uphold the spirit of unity and perseverance.

Forging resilience through sports, uniting for the journey ahead

Tug-of-war is more than a test of strength—it is about trust, teamwork, and the power of collective spirit. Though the competition has ended, the unity and perseverance it cultivated will remain in every heart. May all students carry forward this spirit, embrace collaboration, and keep striving courageously as they pursue their dreams and write their own bright futures.