The much-anticipated International Day of University Sport (IDUS) finally arrives! The celebration in 2020 is endowed with more meanings since the spread of the COVID-19. Due to the long-time isolation and staying-at-home, the depression and anxiety has been increased. To provide a platform for all who loves and care for university sports to stay in close bond and to find a sense of belonging, for the first time ever, AUSF organized a Run Challenge from 19-21 September, 2020. Thousands of participants from 9 AUSF member federations participated in the challenge even though the limitations imposed by the COVID-19. Through this event, AUSF would like to emphasize that “We are together” despite the pandemic.
After the announcement of the AUSF Run Challenge, Chinese Taipei University Sports Federation (CTUSF) responded firstly and made the Challenge even more challenging. Dr. Ching-yu TSENG, CTUSF Secretary General and AUSF Vice President, led CTUSF staff ran around Yinghanling Hiking Trail of Guanyin Mountain, the altitude of which is more than 616 meters. Even though the challenge is not easy, every participant was trying their best to finish it. When they reached the top and saw the gorgeous nature view, they were very excited and thinking everything is worth it. Dr. TSENG wishes everyone can improve the strength through the running. Most of all, CTUSF would like to connect all of the members through AUSF event.
CTUSF Secretary General and AUSF Vice President Ching-yu TSENG (The first line right 2) and the staff
CTUSF Secretary General and AUSF Vice President Ching-yu TSENG (The first line left 2) and the staff
On 18 September, over 50 staff from Federation of University Sports China (FUSC), completed the 19.92 kilometers Run Challenge, at Flower Expo Theme Park in Beijing, prompting the AUSF Run challenge in China and beyond.
FUSC celebration
AUSF President Yanqing XUE (Left 6), Vice Secretary General Zhen SHEN (Left 7) and the Secretariat staff
The torch was then passed to the university students in China, more than 30,000 participants from hundreds of universities stepped out of the room to join the running race in conjunction with FUSC Online Run Project.
Many students felt increased stress and anxiety due to close of school and social distancing. “We hope the event will unleash students’ long-restrained passion and embrace the nature, fall in love with sports, and develop a healthy lifestyle in the long run”, said Dr. Yanqing XUE, AUSF president, who also participated the running in person.
AUSF President Yanqing XUE (Right)
In Mongolia, totally 12 universities and institutes, together with more than 200 spectators and cheerleaders, participated in the Challenge, which was organized at the National park.
MSSF celebration
Since there are no local Covid-19 cases in Mongolia, the State Emergency Commission of Mongolia allowed this event to be held to inspire the sports spirit among students. Mongolian Student Sports Federation (MSSF)’s volunteers checked the temperature of all the participants, disinfected their hands and provided first aid. The first 6 teams who completed the Challenge were awarded with the Certificates of Honor and bonus, and every participant received a souvenir T-shirt prepared by MSSF. During the celebration, MSSF promoted AUSF and IDUS celebration by presenting the theme and logos on the huge LED screens.
MSSF celebration
Mr. Jargalsaikhan D. (Right 5), MSSF Secretary general and AUSF Vice president at the Awarding Ceremony
Singapore University Sports Council (SUSC) organized the Challenge in a more creative way. Besides running the required distance, university students in Singapore also expressed their creativity in running by forming pictures or letters with different running routes. The photos were then uploaded on SUSC’s social media platforms, i.e. Instagram and website, with #LetsIDUS.
The Run Challenge was also conducted successfully in Hong Kong China, Iran, Macau China, Malaysia and Thailand thanks to the great efforts from the local member federations.
The celebration is still well under way all over Asia, more stories, photos and videos will be released via AUSF website www.ausf.org to keep you updated.
By stepping out of the room and taking more exercises, #LetsIDUS together!
