The 56th Meichu Games Opening Ceremony at NTHU
2024.03.01
Presidents W. John Kao (高為元) of NTHU and Chi-Hung Lin (林奇宏) of NYCU struck the gong together to inaugurate the three-day Meichu Games.
The 56th Meichu Games, a renowned annual sports and cultural competition between National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) in Taiwan, started today. At the opening ceremony, Presidents W. John Kao (高為元) of NTHU and Chi-Hung Lin (林奇宏) of NYCU struck the gong together to inaugurate the three-day event.
Hosted by NTHU, this year's Meichu Games began at the International Conference Hall of the Main Library on NTHU's campus. Hsinchu City Mayor Hung-An Kao (高虹安) and Legislator Cheng-Chien Cheng (鄭正鈐) were also in attendance.
The competition includes ten official events – women's volleyball, men's volleyball, women's basketball, men's basketball, baseball, tennis, badminton, table tennis, Chinese chess, and bridge. The school that accumulates more than five victories in these ten events will clinch the Meichu Championship.
Besides the official events, there are nine non-scoring exhibition events featuring soccer, softball, archery, women's tennis, Go, Kendo, women's table tennis, billiards, and Western chess. Western chess is a new exhibition event introduced this year.
President Kao highlighted the tradition of the Meichu Games, which has come to symbolize the close collaboration between the two universities over the past 55 years. He expressed gratitude to student representatives for their efforts in facilitating the events and led a spirited chant of "NTHU, GO! GO! GO!"
President Lin of NYCU described the emotional bond between the two institutions as a love-hate relationship, signifying their mutual influence and dependence. He expressed hope that the Meichu spirit would continue and proposed making the competition an annual event during his tenure.
Hsinchu City Mayor Kao strongly supports the Meichu Games, and she also attended the opening ceremony last year. She wished for the games' success and encouraged the athletes and students to enjoy themselves.
Humorously, Mayor Kao said that every March, everyone wants to "tidy up traffic,” a reference to the Chinese characters in NYCU's name. At that moment, the cheers of NTHU athletes filled the venue. But she continued by stating that, in her position as mayor, she also hopes for "smooth traffic," which was followed by applause from NYCU.
Pin-Wen Chiang (蔣品玟), a senior in the Interdisciplinary Program of Education at NTHU, served as this year's overall coordinator. She highlighted the interactions between both universities, and their shared experiences in academics and extracurricular activities.
The 56th Meichu Games will unfold across multiple venues, fostering camaraderie and sportsmanship. Pin-Wen expressed hope that all students would participate with enthusiasm and cheer for the athletes.
Pin-Wen continued by extending gratitude to the administrations, athletes, booster squads, the working group, the council, choirs, and cheerleading squads; she also commended the organizing committee's dedication over the previous six months. She concluded by saying, "You have all played key roles in the 56th Meichu Games. Here's to its success!"
The Meichu Games, established in 1969, aims to promote student exchange and foster a sports and arts culture.
The name "Meichu" derives from combining two characters in the names of President I-Chi Mei (梅貽琦) of NTHU and President Chu-Ming Ling (凌竹銘) of NYCU. It was chosen by a coin toss, with the name "Meichu" officially adopted when the plum blossom side of the coin faced up.
The theme of the 56th Meichu Games is: "Fox fur draped over their shoulders, masked knights set out; with the heart of a bear, success is within reach." For live broadcasts and event updates, visit https://meichu.games/2024.
Presidents W. John Kao (高為元) of NTHU and Chi-Hung Lin (林奇宏) of NYCU struck the gong together to inaugurate the three-day Meichu Games.
The annual Meichu Games, a grand event between NTHU and NYCU, started today, with enthusiastic participation from students and faculty.
NTHU conferred an honorary Doctorate in Literature upon Dr. Leo Ou-fan Lee (李歐梵).
Hsinchu City Mayor Hung-An Kao (高虹安) (3rd from the right) and Legislator Cheng-Chien Cheng (鄭正鈐) (4th from the right) attended the Meichu Games opening ceremony, posing for a photo with NTHU President W. John Kao (高為元) (1st from the right), NYCU President Chi-Hung Lin (林奇宏) (1st from the left), and mascots from both universities.
Hsinchu City Mayor Hung-An Kao (高虹安) wished for the games' success and encouraged athletes and students to enjoy themselves.
President W. John Kao (高為元) led the students and faculty in chanting "NTHU, GO! GO! GO!"
President Chi-Hung Lin (林奇宏) of NYCU expressed his hope for the Meichu Games to be held annually.
Pin-Wen Chiang (蔣品玟), a senior in the Interdisciplinary Program of Education at NTHU, served as this year's overall coordinator and expressed hope that all students would participate with enthusiasm.
Many students at NTHU and NYCU are anticipating the annual Meichu Games.
President W. John Kao (高為元) led the students and faculty in cheering for the athletes.