"Olympic Spirit, Dynamic Tianjin" 2025 International Youth Sports Study Camp Kicks Off in Ninghe

Video Production: Yang Yi, Qiang Yufei

On July 30, eight international students from Indonesia, Turkey, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Guatemala gathered at the Citizen Center in Ninghe District, Tianjin, to join over 30 Chinese youths for the "Olympic Spirit, Dynamic Tianjin" 2025 International Youth Sports Study Camp.

A Chinese coach demonstrates the basic fencing moves

Photo by Liu Ying

The camp is hosted by the Ninghe District Sports Bureau of Tianjin, and co-organized by the Ninghe District Sports School and the Tianjin Branch of CRI Online, with support from the Ninghe Agricultural Development Group Co., Ltd. and the Tianjin Fencing Association. Over the course of a week, Chinese and international participants will engage in a variety of sports and cultural activities, competing, learning, and building friendships, and growing together.

International youth try out fencing

Photo by Liu Ying

A Chinese coach (first from left) explains key fencing techniques 

Photo by Sun Jiawang

Under the guidance of professional coaches, the international students learned etiquette of fencing and explored the different rules and equipment used in épée, sabre, and foil events. They listened attentively and practiced key techniques such as footwork and thrusting. Soon, they had grasped the basics and were eager to step onto the piste. They also observed live matches between Chinese teenagers and engaged in friendly exchanges.

Chinese and international youth exchange fencing techniques

Photo by Liu Ying

International students practicing fencing

Photo by Sun Jiawang

Later, the international participants visited the Martial Arts Experience Hall, where they were introduced to martial arts etiquette and routines by national martial arts champion Wang Ju. Under the coach’s instruction, they practiced Tai Chi, deepening their appreciation for traditional Chinese martial arts.

National martial arts champion Wang Ju teaches international participants a long fist routine

Photo by Sun Jiawang

Wu Ruilong, a participant from Venezuela, expressed great interest in the sports study camp. He said, “This is my first time in Ninghe, Tianjin, and I found learning fencing incredibly fun. I was impressed by how seriously and skillfully the Chinese teenagers were practicing. I hope to have more chances to interact with them. I also tried Tai Chi for the first time—it felt so unique and magical. I hope my friends back home can come to Ninghe and experience its rich sports culture for themselves.”

Group photo of Chinese and international youth

Photo by Sun Jiawang

Wang Ju explained that this study camp uses sports events, cultural tourism, and experiential learning as a platform to attract more overseas members of Generation Z to China. Through activities like international sports study camp and cultural ambassador programs, the event promotes youth exchange, enhances global understanding of Chinese sports and the spirit it embodies, and fosters integrated regional development across agriculture, culture, sports, business, education, and tourism.

The "Olympic Spirit, Dynamic Tianjin" 2025 International Youth Sports Study Camp will run for seven days. Looking ahead, the Tianjin Sports Bureau plans to launch more themed camps to welcome international youths to Tianjin, offering them  a fresh perspective on China’s evolving sports and cultural tourism landscape, especially in Tianjin—and providing a platform for them to share their stories and experience. (By Liu Yifei)