On July 26, "Ronghuo", the torch of the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games, concluded its 49-day journey across six cities, namely Beijing, Harbin, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Yibin, and Chengdu, and arrived at its final Torch Relay stop, Dong'an Lake Sports Park, the main stadium of the Universiade. Mo Xiaolan (Nounbaikham Moukpalakham), a Laotian international student from the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, Chengdu University (CDU), also as a representative of CDU outstanding students and a winner of the third prize of the 13th Beijing International Film Festival, took part in the torch relay as the 109th torchbearer.
"'Ronghuo' signifies integration, and its design symbolizes vitality, wisdom, greenness, and sharing, combining international standards with Bashu characteristics," said Mo Xiaolan. She had previously recorded the story of CDU and the Universiade, and shared the torch's design, also mentioning that she hoped she would have the chance to see the real "Ronghuo" in person. This time, she participated in the Torch Relay. "The torchbearer is the messenger to convey the spirit of the Universiade, and I am the ambassador of the cultural exchange between China and Laos," said Mo Xiaolan. She felt honored and proud to contribute her youthful strength to the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games. During the relay, she had the opportunity to meet the outstanding seniors from all walks of life, who led the new generation of young people with their enterprising spirit. Moreover, she witnessed the peer leaders in their endeavors to show the vigorous power of youth.
When A Laotian Girl Meets Wonderful Chengdu
"I am Nounbaikham Moukpalakham and my Chinese name is Mo Xiaolan. I'm a 21-year-old student from Laos and I am studying at the College of Chinese & ASEAN Arts, CDU," said Mo Xiaolan. This fair-skinned, beautiful, and petite girl with long black hair could have easily been mistaken for a local Sichuan girl, if not for her traditional Lao costumes and her slightly halting Mandarin.
"My father loves China very much and often took me to watch Chinese films during my childhood, particularly Jackie Chan's action movies. So my parents really wanted me to have the chance to study in China. Fortunately, through the introduction of my teacher in high school , I had the opportunity to study in Chengdu, and my whole family was very supportive at that time.” Every time she mentions her opportunity to study in China, her spirits soar. She said that she treasures the opportunity to study at CDU, and hopes to learn more about China and Chinese culture while acquiring specialized knowledge so as to contribute to the cultural exchanges between China and Laos.
Acting as an Ambassador of International Cultural Exchanges and Making Contributions to the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games
"The 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games is an important international sports event. I am honored to have the opportunity to participate in this Universiade and happy to contribute in my own way to enrich my memorable experience here in Chengdu," said Mo Xiaolan. After learning that the 31st World University Summer Games would be held in Chengdu, Mo Xiaolan took an active part in organizing Laotian students to choreograph traditional dances to be performed during the warm-up activities of the Universiade, which were warmly welcomed. In the recording of the Universiade theme songs "Light of Youth" and "City of Panda" released by the Center for Language Education and Cooperation, the Chinese Ministry of Education, Mo Xiaolan dared to take on the challenge of inter-disciplinary participation in the chorus recording and took the initiative to help organize international students to participate in the recording. As the Chengdu 2021 FISU World University Games Athletes’ Village, CDU is full of the vibrant atmosphere of the Games. Mo Xiaolan made full use of her professional skills, acting as a lead actress, director and other roles, searching for the elements of the Universiade through her own lens, and telling the story about herself, CDU, and the Games. Each participation brings her unique experiences. "As a CDU student, I'm honored to participate in the series of activities of the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games, and I feel glad to experience the charm of the Universiade. I sincerely hope that the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games will be a great success and I welcome young university students from across the globe to fulfill their dreams in Chengdu!" said Mo Xiaolan.
On July 22, the 31st Chengdu FISU World University Games Athletes’ Village was officially opened. Mo Xiaolan worked as a volunteer in the Village as a reception assistant for foreign guests. She welcomed guests from all over the world to show the charm of Chengdu. She said, "Chengdu makes dreams come true." In her view, the Universiade was not only a stage for competition, but also a stage for exchanges among young people from all over the world. She hoped that the athletes could perform at their best, enjoy the process, foster communication, and build enduring friendships. As an international student, she also hoped to integrate the spirit of the Universiade into her future study and life to share this experience and understanding with her family and friends.
Asked about her future plans, Mo Xiaolan said firmly that she intends to stay at CDU to pursue a master's degree. If she had the opportunity after graduation, she would also like to stay in Chengdu to work and live, because this is the Chengdu she loves!
