Jiangxi University of Science and Technology (JXUST) held its first-ever Spring Fun Games on April 25 at the Sanjiang Campus East Grounds, an event designed to enrich campus life, foster teamwork, and celebrate the university motto — “Lofty Aspirations, Responsibility First.”
Party Secretary Liu Zuwen declared the games open. In her opening remarks, Vice President Ning Jie, a member of the university’s Party Standing Committee, urged students to put health first, compete with a bold spirit, and make lifelong exercise a habit. The fun games, she said, were a step toward a more vibrant sports culture where playing fields become stages for community and personal growth.
After a rousing cheerleading performance and a collective warm-up, participants headed to the track for a series of team challenges that drew on the university’s mining and materials identity. In “Shared Crucible,” pairs with their ankles bound together shuffled 50 meters, each synchronized step a beat of unity. During “Tungsten War Drum,” teammates pulled strings to bounce a ball on a drum, the resounding booms a measure of collective power. In “Vein Leap,” students soared over a long rope in unison, their shouts rising with every jump. “Golden Stone Toss” tested precision and trust, while the “Rare Earth Tug-of-War” pitted two sides in a fierce pull, the swaying marker keeping the entire crowd on edge.
A campus fun run offered two routes: the 5.8-km “Torch of Heritage” and the 10.25-km “October Launch.” Students wound through the campus radiating youthful energy. In one of the day’s most heartwarming sights, faculty members ran alongside their children — young and old moving together — sketching a picture of warmth and inclusion.
Party Secretary Liu completed the 10.25-km route. “Health running is a vital part of our sports system,” he said. “It builds character, deepens bonds between teachers and students, and creates an uplifting atmosphere. I hope students embrace the joy of sport, grow through perseverance, and run with vitality on the track of youth.” Vice President Ning, who ran the 5.8-km route, added: “It’s not just a race, but a conversation with oneself and a release of pressure. We hope students learn to persevere, gain confidence, and truly make exercise a way of life.”
Chen Haoning, a student from Automation Class 242 who won the 5.8-km men’s race, reflected: “The hardest battle was against that inner voice whispering, ‘It’s easier to stop.’ Sometimes, you have to slow down to build a foundation before you can speed up.”
While athletes shone on the field, staff and referees formed the quiet backbone of the event. Their steady, behind-the-scenes work went largely unapplauded, but it added a warm, reassuring grace to the day.
At the closing ceremony, Chief Referee Hu Jiguang announced the overall team standings and the top eight male and female finishers in both fun runs. Liu Chuanli, Director of Student Affairs, presented the “Outstanding Organization” awards.
The inaugural Fun Games gave students a chance to unwind and express themselves, while the blend of laughter and teamwork deepened a sense of belonging and collective strength — a vivid display of the vitality, unity, and optimism that define JXUST.
