On October 27, during an interview, Li Xiaolan, a young student from Macau studying at Zhejiang University, expressed her thoughts about the significance of sports. “Sports symbolize youth, bridge friendships, and strengthen unity. This fun sports event has allowed young friends from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan to understand each other better and deepen their friendships,” she stated. She also shared her love for Hangzhou, highlighting it as a city full of innovation, rich history, and ecological culture.
The first “Fun Sports Event Welcoming Macau’s Return and Celebrating Dreams Together” took place at the Qiantang Sports Center in Hangzhou, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return. Over 100 representatives from the Macau-Hangzhou Friendship Association, the Association of Taiwanese Investment Enterprises in Hangzhou, the Hong Kong Qiantang Fellowship, and student representatives from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan gathered to reinforce the deep ties they share under the theme of “One Family Across the Taiwan Strait.”
Kicking off with an energetic street dance performance, the event featured a mix of team and individual competitions that tested teamwork and showcased youthful exuberance. Six competing teams engaged in various events such as “Heartfelt Relay,” “Synchronized Sound,” “Deep Connections,” “Rowing Together,” “Unity of Purpose,” and “Dreaming for the Future.” Through these activities, participants conveyed trust and cooperation, demonstrating a spirit of perseverance and youthful energy that transcended the competition itself, inspiring them to strive for their dreams.
A relevant official from the Hangzhou United Front Work Department remarked, “This fun sports event is a patriotic gathering for the youth from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan to forge consensus and unite in action. It’s a platform to ignite ambition and encourage responsibility, as well as to deepening friendships.” They expressed hope that through interaction and communication, young people from these regions would feel the vibrant connection with Hangzhou and recognize that the city thrives because of its youth, echoing their shared dreams.
The official further noted that as youth embody hope and potential for a brighter future, Hangzhou is committed to enhancing collaborative programs like “Zhejiang Together: Youth Hand in Hand” and the “Joint Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan Youth Initiative.” The goal is to provide diverse, precise, and high-quality platforms and services for young people from these regions, encouraging them to engage with and establish roots in Hangzhou, ultimately building a consensus for united and forward-looking youth that contributes dynamic energy to shaping a better future.
