Chengdu, China - August 17, 2025 - Beyond the athletic feats at the successfully concluded 12th World Games, a team of nine bilingual students emerged as vital contributors to the event's international character. Selected from the Chinese-English Bilingual Announcing and Anchoring program, these students served as English announcers across multiple venues, ensuring seamless communication and bridging cultures for a global audience.
Their voices guided spectators through a diverse range of sports, including Air Sports, Outdoor Tug-of-War, Life Saving, Softball, and Korfball. This real-world application of their academic training was put to the test daily, requiring precision, professionalism, and deep cultural understanding.
Mr. José Perurena López, President of the International World Games Association (IWGA), specifically commended the announcers' work. "I think they are very professional, work very well. Similar standard at other venues. This is a very good standard," he remarked at the Chengdu Roller Sports Center.
Li Shuxuan and Chen Yiran, English Announcers for inline roller sports
The following snapshots capture how these young professionals translated theory into practice, creating unforgettable moments of connection.
Precision and Pride in the Golden Moment
Li Weixu, English Announcer at Chengdu Jianyang Sports Center
For Li Weixu, announcer at the Chengdu Jianyang Sports Center, the women's karate kumite final was a career-defining event. The match saw China's Gong Li face Japan's Maho Ono, a titan in the sport.
"My voice trembled with national pride as I introduced Gong Li," Li recalled. The arena erupted as Gong Li secured a historic victory with a decisive spinning kick in the final seconds. "Watching her emotional celebration, I realized the power of my voice wasn't just in describing the action, but in uniting the audience in that shared, electric moment of national pride."
Aim True, Connect True: The Heart of Sportsmanship
Chen Xingyue, English Announcer at Qinglong Lake Archery Venue.
At the Qinglong Lake Archery Venue, announcer Chen Xingyue witnessed a profound display of sportsmanship. During the men's compound bow competition, Chinese archer Cui Jinxuan accidentally aimed at the wrong target. His French opponent, Floran Mulot, kindly guided him to the correct one, a gesture met with thunderous applause.
"For me, the 'W' in World Games stands for We, World, and Will," Chen shared. Her role demanded meticulous preparation, especially in pronouncing athletes' names correctly. "When you announce a name perfectly as they stand on the podium, it's a sign of respect. That moment between the athletes embodied the same spirit—respect that transcends competition."
A Captain's Final Bow: Honoring Legacy
Yang Sile, English Announcer at Longquan High School Gymnasium
Yang Sile, announcing at the Longquan High School Gymnasium, was tasked with narrating the flow of korfball matches. A sudden timeout in the Portuguese team's final match revealed a surprise retirement ceremony for their captain.
"I knew her name well—she was always first in my lineup as captain," Yang said. As soft music played and teammates presented flowers, the arena rose in a standing ovation. "She was the team's heart, compensating for her stature with immense agility and power. Announcing that moment, with tears in my own eyes, was a powerful reminder that we are narrating human stories, not just scores."
A Lasting Impact
Throughout the 12-day event, the student announcers did more than relay information; they became integral to the Games' narrative. They expertly navigated the challenges of live annnoucing, adapted to last-minute changes, and ensured the host nation's warmth was felt by all.
"This hands-on experience is an irreplaceable bridge between classroom theory and real-world practice," one student summarized, a sentiment echoed by the entire team.
In the spirit of the World Games' motto, "Boundless Sports, Countless Wonders," these nine students from the Bilingual Announcing and Anchoring program set a shining example. They proved that effective international communication is built not only on linguistic skill but also on the professional and passionate delivery of the stories that unite us all.
Editor: Li Shuxuan, Li Weixu, Chen Xingyue and Yang Sile
Responsible Editor: Tang Huirun
Proofreader: Li Jichu
Managing Editors: Yu Ran, Chen Yiwen
