Peking University, January 21, 2021: In light of the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Peking University held its first ever PKU Winter Sports Game and PKU Cup Skiing Race. This is the first winter sports competition to be held by a tertiary institution in China, marking a historical breakthrough for the sport and the student community alike.
Exhilarating Races
In the professional competitions, athletes stood prepared behind the starting line, lunging forward with the rush of adrenaline upon the sound of the starting gun. They glided past every checkpoint and dashed forward to the finishing line, sending snow flying into the air.
Another race was organized for beginners who wanted a challenge. Though not as nimble and swift as the professional athletes, they gave their all for their races on the same track and managed to complete the races successfully.
Fun Courses
Many participants of the Fun Courses were beginners at snowboarding, but they valiantly took up the challenge on the field. Despite stumbles throughout the process, participants greatly enjoyed the activities. Members of the Peking University Skiing Association designed the “club biathlon” competition, taking inspiration from the “cross-country skiing + shooting” in the "winter biathlon".
In service of the first-timers, the Fun Course also incorporated “snow orientation” and “electronic shooting” elements. Other than the competitions for skiing and snowboarding, newbies also enjoyed basic teaching courses, park experience courses and skiing experience activities.
Commencement of the PKU Cup
The first PKU Cup Skiing Race was held on January 8, 2022, at Beijing Wanke Shijinglong Ski Resort. The event was sponsored by the Sports Committee of Peking University and undertaken by the Department of Physical Education, the PKU Communist Youth League Committee, Labor Union, Alumni Association and Skiing Association.
The opening ceremony of the 1st PKU Cup
The professional events included men's mountain slalom, women's mountain slalom, men's snowboard slalom and women's snowboard slalom. Players who participated in the time guessing competition and the Fun Courses also performed well.
Winter Sports in PKU
Throughout the years, PKU has eagerly promoted winter sports by conducting relevant classes for interested students and teachers. In the 7th Chinese College Skiing Competition, the PKU ski team also clinched the overall championship for the team awards.
Students enthusiastic about winter sports played their part in organizing the competition. Many students from the Skiing Association referred to their previous experiences of attending other sports competitions to plan competitive events since autumn of 2021. Other than providing an opportunity for passionate Pekingers to compete in a professional setting, the competition also invited students from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, and other institutions to promote friendly interaction across the nation.
The PKU Winter Sports Game and PKU Cup Skiing Race is a vibrant display of the love Pekingers harbour for winter sports, and Peking University’s anticipation and support for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games.
Written by: Shi Xinyao
Edited by: Li Wanqi
