VBS News Net: Ding Xianghua, Head of Youth Committee of Chinese Mountaineering Association and Yu Jianxin, vice-secretary-in-general of Chinese Mountaineering Association visited VBS on 14th October 2019. Chai Wenhao, Principal of Amateur Sports Academy and Head of Sports Development Centre of Culture and Sports Bureau in Longhua District, Shenzhen, Ouyang Yi, General Manager of Outdoor Camping, Vanke Meisha Education and parents of VBS Rock Climbing team members attended the event.

Mr Ding first toured around the rock climbing wall and indoor basketball court before moving to conference room for the dialogue. Mr Wu Jian, teacher-in-charge for rock climbing briefed the guests on how VBS has carried out rock climbing activities.

VBS has a professional 12.5 metres by 13 metres rock climbing wall which is suitable for international youth competitions, along with the standard speed lane and grading lane. The dimensions of the practice wall are 12.5 metres by 3 metres by 4 metres. Helmets, auto descent devices and buckles were equipped by VBS.

Currently, Primary School Department conducted sessions during outdoor activities period in the afternoon. Junior Secondary School Department has one period per week for every class. Teachers have a one-hour weekly session and parents can sign up for the session. 

VBS Rock Climbing team was found in November 2018. It has 26 members who have three one-hour trainings. As for now the team has participated in the 11th Rock Climbing Contest of Guangdong Province and the 2019 Sports Lottery Cup Youth Rock Climbing Competition in Shenzhen, with multiple members clinched top 3 positions several times. 

VBS will continue the expansion of rock climbing classes so that everyone can enjoy this sport. This also improves students's overall fitness and develops grit, optimism and creative power which will be one of the school-based curricula. VBS aims to expand the team base and improve the team quality so that more students have the opportunities to take part in various competitions. In future, VBS hopes to send rock climbing talents into the national rock climbing  team and lead by examples to expand rock climbing into school and qualify for the 'National Featured School for Rock Climbing'. 

Parents of Huang Heming and Guo Xianrang stated that they sent their sons to VBS simply because of the implementation of rock climbing lessons. They have become more focused and able to bounce back. Parent of Wu Yanhui said, 'my daughter has never learnt how to rock climb before. But now she has more smiles on her face and improves her mathematical thinking after taking rock climbing classes. I realise that rock climbing is also a sport that develops the brain.'

Mr Ouyang said that the group would be dedicated to offer rock climbing lessons, more professional coaches to collaborate with VBS for its development in school-based curriculum.

Mr Ding spoke highly of VBS rock climbing team and equipment. He pointed out the benefits of  rock climbing to the holistic development of students - both mentally and physically. He wished VBS to continue the great work to be qualified for 'National Featured School for Rock Climbing' which would attract more students into rock climbing and send youth athletes into the national rock climbing team.

Mr Chai stated that the Bureau would continue to support VBS for its school-based curriculum by offering funds and professional coaching. During the 2019 Sports Lottery Cup Youth Rock Climbing Competition in Shenzhen, Longhua District Ameteur Sports Academy had covered the expenses and professional coaching guidance for VBS to clinch one winner and two 2nd runner up positions. 

Principal Yang acknowledged the visit by the Chinese Mountaineering Association personnel and the support from the Longhua Culture and Sports Bureau. VBS would put in more effort to develop rock climbing classes for students to complement their studies and to improve their fitness and well-being.

Sports development is a top priority for VBS in terms of . Guided by the principle that ensuring every student to master one of the sustainable sports, VBS has conducted various sports activities to prepare students for the future.

Author／Photographer : Linda

Formatting：Judy 

Translated by DC Lai