Peking University, May. 15, 2012: The opening ceremony of the 50th Capital Universities Students’ Track and Field Games was held in the May Fourth Stadium at Peking University (PKU) on Sunday, May 13.

Guo Jinlong, the mayor of Beijing, announced the opening of the games. Over 3300 PKU students and staff performed traditional Chinese shows of Waist Drum, Tai Chi Fan and Folk Dance on the ceremony.

Traditional Chinese performances during the ceremony

Over 2000 athletes and coaches from 63 universities takes part in the games this year, marking a record of the largest number of participants in the games history. The referees are from universities in Beijing, among whom 3 are of international level and over 30 of national level.

PKU President Zhou Qifeng welcomed all athletes, coaches and referees, introduced the preparation work and wished the games a success.

2012 marks the 5th year of “carry out sunshine sports nationwide” and the 60th anniversary of China’s founding Chairman Mao Zedong advocating “promote physical culture and build up the people’s health”. The Capital Universities Students’ Track and Field Games has played an active role in cherishing sports and improving health among young students since 1955.

Written by: Zhang Jiang
Edited by: Chen Long
Source: PKU News (Chinese)