YCIS Qingdao served as the host and co-organiser for the “Bond Across Mountains and Seas” Exchange Camp on October 26. Under the theme “Football Without Borders, Youth Walking Together,” the event highlighted how sport and culture can build bridges between young people from diverse backgrounds.

The day began with friendly football matches on the field, where mixed teams of local and international students showcased teamwork and spirited play. Beyond competition, the games fostered mutual respect and instant camaraderie among participants.

Awards were later presented in categories such as Best Player, Top Goalkeeper, and Fair Play, recognising both skill and sportsmanship.

A memorable moment came with a special guest appearance from Rivaldo, a professional player from Qingdao Red Lions FC and a YCIS parent, who inspired students with stories from his career and led them in interactive football drills.

In the afternoon, the campus turned into a vibrant cultural exploration zone. Students from all schools moved through interactive stations featuring traditional Chinese arts:

Trying their hand at paper-cutting with guidance from a local heritage artist; Practising brush strokes in a beginner-friendly calligraphy workshop; Dressing in Peking Opera costumes and learning symbolic movements; Joining Tai Chi and martial arts sessions; Watching and participating in a shadow puppet performance of “Monkey King Subdues the White-Bone Demon”.

The Exchange Camp offered more than a day of activities—it created a space for genuine connection. Through collaboration in the field and curiosity in the cultural workshops, students built an understanding that needs no translation.

Experiences like this lay a foundation for empathy and global citizenship, helping young people grow into individuals who value both cultural diversity and shared humanity.