Chinese Bridge Speech Competition – Regional Finals Held at VUW
50 contestants from schools in the lower half of the North Island, and from Victoria University competed across the three academic categories in the regional finals of the 2018 “Chinese Bridge” speech competition.
Well done to the approximately 50 contestants from schools in the lower half of the North Island, and from Victoria University, who competed across the three academic categories of junior high school, senior high school and university, in the regional finals of the 2018 “Chinese Bridge” Chinese speech competition, hosted by the Confucius Institute at Victoria University of Wellington at the end of May.
Contestants impressed the judges, and a lively audience of students, teachers, friends and family, with their Chinese language ability in delivering their speeches as well as their performing talents in the “cultural talent” segment of the competition. Students spoke on a range of topics, focused on the twin themes of “One World” and “Learning Chinese, Friends All Over the World”. Some told stories about learning Chinese, others talked about schools trips to China, and others shared their perspectives on Chinese culture. The cultural talent performances were equally diverse, including singing, playing musical instruments, dancing, reciting poetry, calligraphy and tai chi.
After fierce competition and careful evaluation by the judges, the finalists were announced (see full list below). The university group winners will go directly to the International Finals in Changsha, China, in early July. The junior and senior high school finalists will proceed to the National Schools Finals on 4 August in Auckland.
加油 and Best of Luck to you all!
| Junior Group Finalists | |
|---|---|
| Lesieli Katoa | Wellington East Girls College |
| Aaric Prasitdamrong | Carncot Independent School |
| Rose Vachon | Wellington East Girls College |
| Jiya Bothra | Carncot Independent School |
| Senior Group Finalists | |
|---|---|
| Neesha Dixon | Wellington East Girls College |
| Sameed Khan | Rotorua Boys' High School |
| Michael Stanley | Rotorua Boys' High School |
| Seth Robertson | Wellington High School |
| Phuvapat Niracha Sribunwongsa | Wellington East Girls College |
| Tertiary Group Finalists | |
|---|---|
| Grant Randell | Victoria University of Wellington |
| Anna De Boer | Victoria University of Wellington |
| Annabelle Jessop (Observer) | Victoria University of Wellington |