The Five-Ring Medal Challenge of the 16th Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival was successfully held at the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities in Shunyi District on 30 August. The event was hosted by the Beijing Olympic City Development Association (BODA), organised by the Beijing Olympic City Development Centre and co-organised by the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities. A total of 100 teams and 500 youngsters participated in the dual Olympic events, sharing the fun of sports and experiencing the Olympic spirit.
(A group photo of participants)
The Five-Ring Medal Challenge is not only a test of physical strength and skills but also a demonstration of solidarity and determination. This year’s event was divided into two categories: U12 (ages 10-12) and U9 (ages 6-9). The events included 400m track and field race, ice obstacle course race, basketball skills (dribbling through cones, passing into the basket and shooting), bike slalom skills and football skills (shuttle run, passing and receiving, dribbling over obstacles and shooting). Teams of five members (with no restrictions on gender) competed with each other, in which each member must complete one of the designated five events for their team. The team’s total completion time across all five events would determine the overall score.
On the day of the competition, the venue was alive with energy and enthusiasm. The young participants, accompanied by their parents, arrived at the venue early and began pre-game warm-ups such as jogging and stretching. At 9 AM, the sound of the starting whistle signalled the beginning of the U12 category. The participants sprinted with determination on the track, skilfully navigated the obstacle course on the ice rink, executed flawless dribbling, passing and shooting on the basketball court, smoothly weaved through the slalom course, and displayed impressive ball control and powerful shots on the football pitch. The U9 competition followed, with the young participants taking to the same arenas with courage and determination. They fought bravely and pushed their limits for the “Five-Ring Medal,” a symbol of honour and aspirations, demonstrating the perseverance and passion of younger generations.
(Competition highlights)
After two hours of intense competition, the three teams of Blade Wind Squad, Summit Conquerors and Thunder Commandos took the top three places in the U12 category, and the three teams of Dream Chasers, Five-Ring Pioneers and Leopard Striders grabbed the top three spots in the U9 category.
(A group photo of winners of the U12 category)
(A group photo of winners of the U9 category)
The Five-Ring Medal Challenge is a key part of the Beijing Olympic City Sports Culture Festival, and another signature youth event curated by BODA in addition to the Little Triathlete. The goal is to carry forward the Olympic spirit, spread Olympic culture and promote the Olympic Movement among young people, inspiring their enthusiasm for exercises. The event enables young people to further understand the deeper meaning of the Olympic spirit through competition and collaboration. It is not merely a sports competition but also offers immersive Olympic education experiences. Since it was launched in 2022, the Five-Ring Medal Challenge has been held at the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities, which is the world’s largest comprehensive training base for persons with disabilities, covering both summer and winter sports. Thanks to the excellent facilities, comprehensive event services and continuous improvement in event quality, the Five-Ring Medal Challenge has become more engaging and enjoyable with growing appeal. In the last two years, event registrations have been filled almost immediately upon release, and the participant base has remained stable at around 500.
High-ranking officials present at the event included Dong Xuemo, Director General of the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities; Xia Rihong, Deputy Secretary General of BODA and Deputy Director of the Beijing Olympic City Development Centre; Zhou Xin, Deputy District Mayor of Shunyi District People’s Government of Beijing Municipality; Qian Jinjun, Level I Division Rank Official at the Sports, Health and Art Education Department of the Beijing Municipal Education Commission; Wang Zhongcheng, Director of the Shunyi District Sports Bureau of Beijing Municipality; and Liu Ying, Head of the Projects Department of the Beijing Olympic City Development Centre.
In 2023, the Beijing Olympic City Development Centre and the China Administration of Sports for Persons with Disabilities signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The two agreed to leverage their respective resources and advantages to establish a cooperation mechanism, and carry out strategic cooperation in such areas as sports for people with impairment, youth Olympic education and the popularisation of dual Olympic sports. The two said that taking the Five-Ring Medal Challenge as an opportunity, they would further deepen cooperation to promote the sustainable development of the Olympic and Paralympic causes.
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