Chinese proficiency competition resumes in Quebec after six-year hiatus

(ECNS) -- The Quebec division of the 18th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Proficiency Competition for Foreign Secondary School Students and the 5th "Chinese Bridge" Chinese Show for Foreign Primary School Students was recently held at Dawson College in Montreal, with winners announced in several categories.

This is the first time the event has been staged following a six-year suspension caused by COVID-19. The competition was organized by the Consulate General of China in Montreal and hosted by the Confucius Institute in Quebec.

More than 40 outstanding young contestants from various schools across Quebec participated, with nearly 200 audience members attending the event. The competition opened with a performance of the Nezha theme song by the Huayin Chinese Music Ensemble of the Confucius Institute.

The event was divided into middle school and primary school categories and further grouped based on participants’ Chinese language study duration. Contestants told stories, recited Chinese poems, and shared personal experiences in Mandarin. Winners from each group were selected through a rigorous evaluation process and will have the opportunity to represent Quebec in the global finals held in China.

Dai Yuming, the Chinese consul general in Montreal, said full resumption of the competition reflects the vitality and promise of people-to-people exchanges between China and Canada. He noted that through learning Mandarin, students not only gain a new tool for communication but also open a window into Chinese civilization and multicultural exploration. He expressed hope that the young participants would become bridges of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.

Rong Meng, director of the Confucius Institute in Quebec, expressed gratitude to the dedicated language teachers and parents who continue to support their children in learning Chinese despite challenges.