土木一 Carlos Aaron Yap
The NTU Sports Day 2024, marking the 113th year of NTU’s proud tradition, was an extraordinary event that spanned over two days and brought together students, faculty, and members of the NTU community. This annual celebration showcased athleticism, creativity, teamwork, and unity. Filled with various activities, competitions, and engaging performances, the event created an unforgettable experience for all who attended. Despite the initial challenges caused by the unpredictable weather, the event succeeded in highlighting the resilience and enthusiasm of the NTU spirit, leaving a lasting impression on both participants and spectators.
The Department of Civil Engineering gathered at the College of Engineering Building (CEB) at 7:30 AM. After everyone was present, we walked together to the sports field, where we settled in our designated tent. However, because it suddenly rained, the event was forced to be delayed for a bit. We took shelter and patiently waited as the rain passed, using the time to chat with our teammates and prepare for the day ahead. Once the skies cleared, all departments were called to gather and prepare for the parade at 8:30 AM.
The parade was a colorful and lively display, featuring all departments and majors, each showcasing their unique identity with banners, flags, and coordinated outfits. As every group walked by, it shows how diverse NTU actually is. The parade concluded with participants gathering in front of the stage for the opening ceremony, which officially marked the start of the event.
The opening ceremony began with attendees singing Taiwan’s national anthem, followed by the NTU song. The NTU president then delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing his gratitude to the staff and volunteers whose hard work made this event possible. He also encouraged all participants to give their best and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship. A particularly symbolic moment followed with the “Lighting up the Fire” performance, which represented the ignition of determination and unity, setting the tone for the competitions to come.
While athletes prepared for their events and completed roll calls, several performances were held to entertain the crowd. Students from 龍門國中 (Longmen Junior High School) showcased an energetic dance, earning cheers and applause from the crowd. They were followed by another dance performance by the 義大舞蹈團 (Yi Da Dance Troupe), who left a lasting impression on everyone present.
The first major competition of the day was the relay race. Students from the Department of Civil Engineering were divided into two groups based on their academic year, with each group further split into 2 smaller teams stationed on opposite sides of the field. The second-year students (Pink Vest) raced first, displaying impressive speed and resilience as they competed against other departments. The first-year (Blue Vest) students followed with equal determination, demonstrating their enthusiasm. The other major event we participated in was the 趣味競賽 (“Fun Games/Races”), where participants competed in different unique races in the form of games. This brought a light-hearted twist to the intensity of the races.
The excitement continued on Saturday, with more races and competitions keeping the spirits high. However, the highlight of the day was the closing ceremony, which featured a series of remarkable performances and moments of reflection. The program began with a mesmerizing tango performance by two teachers, whose graceful movements captivated the audience. Their performance demonstrated not only their skill but also the diverse talents within the NTU community.
This was followed by a thought-provoking performance by students from a junior high school in New Taipei. Through dance and storytelling, the students explored themes such as academic pressure, the importance of respect, and strategies for coping with challenges. Their performance really did deserve a round of applause.
As the event came to the end, the NTU president once again addressed the audience. His closing speech expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all participants, organizers, and volunteers who contributed their time and energy to make the event a success. The awarding ceremony followed, where winners were recognized for their outstanding performances. The smiles and pride on their faces were a proof to the hard work and dedication that went into each competition.
The NTU Sports Day 2024 was more than just a sports event—it was a celebration of the values that define NTU. It brought together students, faculty, and community members in a shared experience that emphasized the importance of collaboration and determination. The various performances, from local junior high schools to NTU faculty, added depth and diversity, making the event a platform for artistic expression as well as athletic competition.
Although the athletes from the Department of Civil Engineering didn’t receive any awards, their participation in NTU Sports Day was filled with enthusiasm, teamwork, and memorable moments. Events like these are not just about winning but about being part of something bigger—sharing experiences, building connections, and representing your department with pride.
Sports Day is a fantastic opportunity for every student to step out of their routine, cheer for their friends, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the NTU community. This is an excellent chance to forge new friendships while proudly representing the Department of Civil Engineering.