On June 26, 2022, the finals for the Chinese language competitions in Cyprus were held online. This is the 2nd consecutive year that the “Chinese Bridge” competition is being held in Cyprus, as well as the 2022 Chinese Language Competition for foreign college students, high school students and primary school students in Cyprus.
The Ambassador of China in Cyprus, His Excellency Mr. Liu Yantao, attended the event and addressed his speach.
Initially, Ambassador Liu Yantao thanked the Ministry of Education of Cyprus for its strong support in Cyprus – Chinese cultural and educational cooperation. He also thanked the people who have created the Cyprus School of Chinese Language. The Ambassador said 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. Cooperation such as joint education has been widely developed between Chinese and Cypriot universities. The Confucius Institute in Cyprus has also entered the approval process. 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. The Ambassador expects young students from Cyprus to set foot in the land of China as soon as possible and experience a China where tradition and modernity coexist perfectly.
The Competition was hosted as last year by the Chinese Language School Cyprus and was jointly evaluated by domestic and foreign judges. The finals was attended and addressed by Mrs. Cao Li, Director of the Confucius Institute of the University of Cyprus. 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.
Mr. Filios Fylaktou won the 1st place in the adult category.
