As a member of National Chung Cheng University (CCU), the Alumni Association of CCU has cared about local issues in Chiayi for many years. The CCU Alumni Association specially raised funds to purchase new sneakers for members of the baseball team of Tong-Ren elementary school in Zhongpu Township of Chiayi because they realized the difficulty for economic-disadvantaged students to obtain resources and the importance of school education. Moreover, they also invited those students from Tong-Ren elementary school to CCU to visit the baseball hall of fame and museum, the gymnasium and the library. This activity will not only let the students know more about CCU’s various educational resources, but also can become one of the goals of their future studies. It is hoped to encourage students to stick to their dreams and shine in the field of baseball in the future.

Under the witness of alumni and teachers, Zhang-Hua Fong, president of CCU, rewarded the baseball team of Tong-Ren elementary school with 14 pairs of new sneakers. This donation of sneakers is not only facilitated by the offerings from 16 directors and supervisors of CCU Alumni Association. In addition, after calculating the production cost of sneakers, the balance will also be donated to Tong-Ren elementary school’s baseball team. It’s worth mentioning that those colorful patterns on the sneakers are all made by children from the Tong-Ren elementary school, which is full of children’s fabulous ideas and commemorative meanings.

The CCU Alumni Association holds the belief that the contribution to society does not necessarily have to be academic performance. Our society needs all kinds of talents. Thus, the most important thing is to seriously think your own future development in your life. Plus, no matter what you do, you must try your best to be the star in your field. Zhang-Hua Fong, president of CCU, said that he was grateful for being able to contribute to the baseball team. Additionally, he was also inspired by the assistance of Alumni Association and encouraged the children not to be shy to help others in the future.

Jian-Wei Guo, he president of CCU Alumni Association, said that this event can be seen as planting the seeds of hope, and he also hoped that the activity can be a goal for the children to work hard for. Then, with the goals, children will be motivated to move forward and study hard for their future. Bi-Zhou Cai, the coach of Tong-Ren elementary school baseball team, expressed his gratitude to CCU and the Alumni Association for their contribution, which is a great inspiration for those children. Besides, he mentioned that they will wear the shoes CCU donated to the sports field and hoped they can perform well. 

Li-Qin Gao, the head of activities department of Alumni Association, said that she was deeply moved by Bi-Zhou Cai, the coach of the Tong-Ren elementary school baseball team, running errands for the children and committed to promoting the development of baseball team in rural areas. She realized that each child has their own difficulties, and the education is also crucial, especially to create a positive cycle. Bi-Zhou Cai has been an elementary school baseball coach for 28 years and he has taught at Tong-Ren elementary school since the end of 2005. He even regards the school as his home. Since the members of Tong-Ren elementary school baseball team come from economically disadvantaged families, Bi-Zhou Cai not only trains their baseball skills, but also serves as the nanny for those children, teaching and taking care of them.

The CCU Alumni Association hoped that through this shoe’s donation event, it can remind those children in Tong-Ren elementary school that the educational resources are one of the crucial elements to change their lives. What’s more, they also encouraged them not to easily give up due to family issues. Last, it’s also hoped that they can become the lights-out in their own lives.