"How have you managed to play football twice a week, consistently for decades?"
"What spirit drives your lofty aspirations?"
On December 20th, a unique and fun football game took place at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo. After the game, bathed in the warm winter sun, academicians, faculty, and students engaged in a relaxed dialogue on the football pitch.
Professor Zhangxing Chen interacts with primary school students
The stars of the day were 13 young football players from Zhenhai District Central Primary School. They were joined on the pitch by Zhangxing Chen, Chair Professor at the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, Dean of Siming College, and Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, along with a group of the university's founding undergraduate students. Running, passing, and playing side-by-side, they embodied a shared passion for the sport and the perseverance it teaches.
Professor Zhangxing Chen showcases skills with the primary school students
With the whistle, the young players—energetic in their school uniforms—kicked off into action under Professor Zhangxing Chen's guidance. Sprinting, passing, shooting... Each coordinated play on the green pitch was a display of football's inherent energy and teamwork, effortlessly closing the distance between the children and the renowned academician. In that moment, the ball itself became the connection between them.
Founding undergraduate students run alongside the primary school students
With a smile, Professor Zhangxing Chen shared his journey: "I wasn't very athletic in high school. But that changed in university. I started running every morning before class, and in my free time, I’d play football or volleyball with classmates—making it a point to get exercise twice a day. Over time, I felt much stronger and healthier. Ever since those undergraduate years, I've stuck with playing football twice a week.” His gaze, gentle yet firm, rested on the children as he added, "Staying healthy means you can serve your country for twenty extra years!"
Following the circle discussion, the students presented Professor Zhangxing Chen with carefully prepared, unique gifts to express their respect and gratitude. In return, Professor Zhangxing Chen gifted them the university emblem of the Eastern Institute of Technology, Ningbo, encouraging the students to continue loving sports, studying diligently, and maintaining their curiosity and courage to explore the world.
Professor Zhangxing Chen engages with students during an exchange activity
Under the perfect sunshine, this special football game transcended a typical sports exchange. It became a vivid lesson in life and growth. As the ball rolled across the lush green pitch, it did more than build physical strength—it built a bridge connecting an academician and the youth, perseverance and dreams.
Professor Zhangxing Chen poses for a group photo with the primary school students and founding undergraduate students
Some choose to use appeals and their voice to awaken education;
Others choose innovation and creation to transform it.
Professor Zhangxing Chen, through the story of his own life, places his hopes on the young:
Athletic spirit and academic pursuit are natural companions.
A healthy body is the very foundation for chasing dreams and contributing to society.
As sunlight streamed down, tingeing the young faces with a warm glow,
Their dreams for life found fresh inspiration in that very moment.
