The finals for the Chinese Language Competition 2022 “Chinese Bridge” for foreign students, high school and elementary school students took place virtually on Sunday, for the 2nd consecutive year.
A press release says that the Ambassador of China to Cyprus Liu Yantao in his address noted that since the introduction of the strategic partnership cooperation between China and Cyprus in various fields, the educational cooperation has developed rapidly and has become one of the main points.
He said that the Chinese government provides Cypriot students with scholarships to study in China each year, creating more opportunities for Cypriot students to learn Chinese, exchange experiences, and develop their talents.
Ambassador Liu Yantao stressed that, as the most important Chinese language competition in the world, the “Chinese Bridge” has become an important trademark of international cultural exchanges.
“Learning Chinese will open a window to understanding the development of present-day China and traditional Chinese culture and become an institution for enhancing exchanges and mutual learning between the ancient civilizations of China and Cyprus and for deepening friendship and of mutual understanding between the two countries”, he said.
Cao Li, Director of the Confucius Institute of the University of Cyprus also addressed the event.
In total, more than 80 contestants participated in this year’s competition. The final was attended by 32 contestants where they competed in 3 subjects: speech, knowledge quiz and talent show. The contestants not only showed their ability to express themselves fluently in Chinese, but also performed Chinese songs, guitar, traditional dance, recitation, paper cutting and more.
Awards were given for the first 3 places for gold, silver and bronze metal. Also awards for best eloquence, best performance, best creativity and popularity on the internet as well as other individual awards.
In the non-native Chinese language group, Elizabeth Vasilyeva, a high school student from the American International School, and Yulia Drepenkina, from the Junior School elementary school, won 1st place in the high school and elementary school groups, respectively.
In the Chinese-speaking team, Su La and Zhang Jiaxuan won 1st place in the high school and elementary school teams, respectively.
Filios Fylaktou won 1st place in the adult category.
Source: Cyprus News Agency