In the 12th year of its establishment, UIC is embracing a fresh beginning on its new campus after years of planning and construction. To mark this milestone, UIC is hosting the New Campus Inauguration Celebration, with the theme of “New Era, New Campus, New Journey”. During the Celebration, there will be a variety of activities on academia, science and technology, literature, arts and sports.
The Run for New, with over 400 staff and students completing a lap around the campus, officially kicked off the start of celebrations for the inauguration of the new campus. On the chilly afternoon of 22 November, the Run for New event began with the runners gathering in the central square of the campus. After a national flag-raising ceremony, UIC President Prof Ng Ching-Fai welcomed all those in attendance, adding that in addition to the good start of the celebrations, “The best is yet to come.”
President Ng Ching-Fai with the representatives of the participating teams
After a brief introduction and explanation of how the run would work, both groups of runners, slow and fast, gathered at the starting line, all excited to begin the race. Fast runners set off first, with slow runners going at a more leisurely pace behind. During the race, participants were encouraged to race to four different check points, where they were required to pick up postcards and stamps, before continuing onto the next checkpoint. Commemorative souvenirs were also available to collect at each checkpoint. It was a sea of green for onlookers, as most racers wore the provided race t-shirt, featuring a landscape view of the campus.
It was a quick race for most of the participants, with the total distance of the route being around two kilometres. The winner of the race was Year One Applied Psychology student Xian Zijing. When asked what he thought of the race, he said the race helped him discover the beauty of the new campus.
Xian Zijing wins the race
The Run for New signifies the UIC community taking the first steps towards growing into the new campus, and making full use of the facilities. Being able to race in sync made the participants really feel they were embarking on a new journey as a team, a community, one UIC coming together for a common goal.
Vice President Prof Zhang Cong presents medals and certificates to the fast runners
Reporters: Samantha Burns (MPRO), Li Dandan (IJ, Year 1)
Photographers: Ivy Liao, Cheryl Chen, Deen He (MPRO), Zhou Tong (FIN, Year 3)
Editors: Deen He, Samuel Burgess (MPRO)
(from MPRO)
