On November 16, 2025, National Chung Cheng University’s (CCU) Office of Higher Education Sprout Project, the Office of Student Affairs (Division of Student Life), Nanhua University’s Sprout Project Office, the Office of Extracurricular Activities, and the Chiayi County Aquatic Recreation Association jointly organized the “Great Love Canoeing & Ultimate Frisbee Activity” and the “1895 Yun-Chia Taiwan–Japan Joint Memorial Ceremony” at Zhonglin Lake in Dalin Township, Chiayi County.

The event attracted more than 100 participants from the Yunlin-Chiayi-Tainan region, including university students and local residents. By integrating sports education with historical learning, the event aimed to promote social care, mutual support among diverse groups, and a deeper understanding of local history.

Experiencing “Great Love” and Communication Through Sports
Professor Ming-Chieh Lin from CCU’s Department of Criminology emphasized that the activity was designed to convey the values of “mutual love, mutual benefit, coexistence, and shared prosperity.” He expressed his hope that the community would recognize the importance of supporting one another across different backgrounds, thereby fostering positive social energy.

Professor Yi-Ling Chen of Nanhua University also expressed gratitude for the collaboration between the universities and the association, noting that faculty and students gained valuable learning experiences from the event.

The program theme—“Learn Great Love through Canoeing; Practice Communication through Frisbee”—encouraged participants to experience respect, equality, and cooperation through engaging physical activities.

During the tandem canoe session, Professor Lin demonstrated that the heavier participant should sit at the back to maintain stability, while the lighter participant sits in front to guide direction and give commands. He reminded participants that “both positions are equally important,” leading them to reflect on relationships in families, schools, and workplaces. Regardless of gender or age, he stressed, everyone deserves equal respect for a harmonious society.

Participants were also introduced to American psychologist Marshall Rosenberg’s Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which is based on the belief that most conflicts arise from unmet needs. By practicing communication that acknowledged and cared for both parties' needs, participants learned empathetic strategies for resolving conflicts and fostering cooperation.

Connecting with Local History: The “1895 Yun-Chia Taiwan–Japan Joint Memorial Ceremony”
This year’s event continued the tradition of holding the memorial ceremony for those who perished during the 1895 Taiwan–Japan conflict in the Yun-Chia region. Professor Lin explained that after reading reports about anti-Japanese hero Hsu Shiang in Miaoli years ago, he reflected on whether the heroes of Yun-Chia were still remembered by their descendants. This inspired him to include the memorial ceremony in last year’s event.

During the ceremony, CCU students reenacted the roles of Taiwanese and Japanese soldiers and civilians, bringing historical moments to life. Professor Lin noted that the only Taiwanese victory in the 1895 anti-Japanese resistance occurred in Dalin, where local outrage over the abuse of women led Jian Yi and the Black Flag Army to launch a nighttime attack that temporarily forced a Japanese retreat.

Dalin Township Mayor Hsu Yu-San served as the chief officiant of the ceremony. Through incense offerings and prayers, participants honored the souls of both Taiwanese and Japanese victims, symbolizing the hope that both realms—past and present—could embrace the spirit of mutual love and mutual benefit.

Over a Hundred Participants Engage in Joyful, Educational Activities
The event welcomed students from elementary to university levels, as well as families from across the Yun-Chia-Nan region. Participants praised the event for skillfully combining canoeing practice, communication training, and historical learning, noting that the activities were both meaningful and enjoyable.

Attendees also took photos with themed signs and received Certificates of Great Love and Certificates of Communication Achievement as keepsakes. Many expressed their hope that similar activities would continue in the future and stated they would be eager to join again with their families.