As the crisp sound of ping-pong balls echoed through the hall, it was more than just sweat being shed; it was the bonds of friendship spanning generations of the Chung Cheng community. Hosted by the Division of Student Life at National Chung Cheng University (CCU), the 2nd Character Education Cup Table Tennis Invitational concluded successfully on May 3. This tournament served not only as an arena for skill but also as a "mobile classroom" for character, allowing the seeds of respect, discipline, and legacy to flourish among three generations of players.

A Partnership Across Sixty Years: The Thrilling 24-22 Mark The most moving scene on the court was the "timeless duo" partnership. A retired senior professor in his 70s, known for his steady playing style, stood side-by-side with a third-grade student from Sanxing Elementary School. This pair, with an age gap of over sixty years, displayed incredible chemistry and resilience during a crucial preliminary match. After a grueling five-set battle, they secured a breathtaking victory with a rare score of 24-22. Their brilliant advancement not only drew thunderous applause but also perfectly illustrated the event’s core mission: "Intergenerational Inclusion" and "Mentorship and Legacy."

Continued Excellence: Deepening the Culture of Sportsmanship This tournament was a vital component of the Ministry of Education’s Character Education Deepening Project. Since the inaugural event in 2025, the utilization of the campus table tennis hall had grown significantly, even attracting inquiries from prospective freshmen. Liang-Chi Wang, Chief of the Division of Student Life, noted that the skill level of this year's participants had improved remarkably, with many of last year’s teams returning to strive for the top spots. Chief Wang reminded the athletes: "Rankings are decided by skill, but character is defined by oneself," encouraging everyone to carry the spirit of "winning with grace and losing with dignity" into their daily lives.

Strengthening the CCU Family: Robust Support from All Sectors The success of the event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the CCU Academic Foundation, the CCU Alumni Association, the Yuh Tong Hotel, Liwen Bookstore, and Professor Yi-Hsiung Chiang. Coupled with the 13th Alumni Cup held the previous day, this two-day table tennis festival successfully strengthened the bond between the university and its alumni, channeling energy into the competition and deepening the collective affection for CCU.

Honor Roll: A Double Harvest of Prizes and Friendship The top six teams were awarded prizes by Chief Liang-Chi Wang and Yi-Chen Chen, President of the Alumni Association. The winners were as follows: Champion: "Go with the Flow" (College of Engineering) Runner-up: "I Will Not Yield!" (Departmental Team Union) Third Place: Yuh Tong Hotel Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Places: Smash Reapers, World Strong, and "Can Senior Ma Still Dance?"

Following the tournament, several participants graduating that June expressed their reluctance to leave, promising to return the following year as alumni to compete again. Chief Wang concluded that through this event, the goal was for participants to take home more than just prize money and rankings—they carried with them the profound experience of "respecting opponents and intergenerational cooperation."