【Mixed Relay Race－Day 3】Passing Love and Perseverance：NCKU Campus Relay Showcases Team Spirit in 520
Written and photographed by NCKU Physical Education Office and News Center.
NCKU Campus Relay Showcases Team Spirit in 520
The National Cheng Kung University（NCKU） 2026 Mixed Relay Race entered its third day of preliminary heats on May 20. Executive Vice President Chen Yuh-Neu attended the event to encourage participating faculty and students, opening her remarks with the legendary story of Olympian Eric Moussambani, a swimmer from Equatorial Guinea, famously set the slowest 100-meter freestyle record in Olympic history with a time of 1 minute and 52 seconds. Despite the delay, his sheer perseverance in finishing the race earned him a standing ovation from the entire stadium, perfectly embodying the essence of the Olympic spirit.
Vice President Chen emphasized that the core purpose of the Mixed Relay Race is to cultivate internal values such as inclusivity, mutual support, and resilience among students. She encouraged the participants by noting that while life's challenges may sometimes tempt them to give up halfway, they must maintain belief in their own ability and keep going with courage.
Executive Vice President Chen Yuh-Neu encourage participating faculty and students must maintain belief in their own ability and keep going with courage
The day’s events also featured a deeply moving moment when a student runner tripped and fell. Despite the tumble, the athlete quickly picked up the baton to complete their leg of the race. Although the mishap cost the team a top-tier finish, teammates rallied together to finish the race, offering a powerful demonstration of true team spirit and solidarity.
Luo Yu-jie（羅郁傑）, a freshman, and Huang Zi-yun（黃姿芸）, a sophomore — both from the Department of Industrial and Information Management and members of the team "When We Run Toward You (當我們飛奔向你)"—shared how the practice sessions and the race itself allowed them to connect with peers across different departments and year levels, giving them a profound appreciation for teamwork. The teammates actively discussed strategies before and during the race, offering mutual encouragement and support. Luo added with a smile that after getting to know his upperclassmen through the event, he no longer worries about future academic challenges, knowing he now has mentors he can always turn to for advice.
From the spirit of the Olympics to the running tracks of NCKU, the Mixed Relay Race has proven to be far more than a mere test of speed. Instead, it serves as a profound life lesson in companionship, trust, and perseverance. Throughout the event, some stumbled while others lent a helping hand; some gritted their teeth to power through the final leg, while others found a deep sense of belonging mid-stride. This powerful sense of cohesion—transcending departments, academic years, and roles—stands as NCKU’s most cherished spiritual asset, ensuring that the NCKU community remains a source of collective strength, inspiring each other to boldly move forward.
Highlights
Provider:
NCKU News Center
Date:
2026-05-21
