Recently, volunteers from the Tongji EMBA Football Club visited the Zhonghua Campus of Pudong New Area Special Education School in Shanghai, carrying out a wonderful Special Olympics charity event. This activity was initiated by the Tongji EMBA Football Club and specially invited Cheng Guoping, Assistant Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tongji University, Director of the Professional Degree Center, and Director of the MBA/EMBA Center, along with Zhang Yue, Deputy Director of the Alumni and Corporate Relations Office, to provide guidance.
Cheng Guoping, Assistant Dean of the School of Economics and Management at Tongji University,
Director of the Professional Degree Center, and Director of the MBA/EMBA Center, delivered a speech.
In her speech, Director Cheng Guoping expressed her delight in joining the Tongji EMBA Football Club volunteers to interact with the adorable and resilient Special Olympics athletes. She remarked, 'Education is like a tree shaking another tree, a cloud pushing another cloud, a soul awakening another soul.' While the children feel the care and support, EMBA alumni also gain valuable spiritual inspiration and life insights from this experience. Tongji EMBA has always advocated for students' social responsibility, encouraging them to actively participate in various charitable and public welfare activities and contribute to society. Director Cheng expressed hope that today's event would transmit love and hope to the children, and affirmed their continued commitment to the original intention of public welfare, vowing to never cease their volunteer efforts in the future!
Wang Ying, Principal of Pudong New Area Special Education School in Shanghai, delivered a speech.
Principal Wang Ying of Shanghai Pudong New Area Special Education School extended a warm welcome and sincere gratitude to the attending teachers and volunteers from the EMBA Football Club.
She began by sharing the school’s longstanding efforts and achievements in Special Olympics programs, expressing hope that more caring individuals would join future Special Olympics Unified activities.
Through such initiatives, she aims to deepen society’s understanding and inclusion of individuals with special needs, empowering these kind and resilient children with stronger advocacy and pathways as they transition from school to society.
Enhancing Mutual Understanding Through Visits and Exchanges
Subsequently, guided by the teachers, the volunteers toured the beautiful campus, visiting the Intangible Cultural Heritage Embroidery Workshop, Coffee Dream Workshop, and Art Therapy Workshop to observe the children's internship and employment initiatives firsthand. The trinity mentorship model of "Social Resources + Mentors + Volunteers" vividly demonstrates the school's efforts to bridge the "last mile" for special needs students transitioning from campus to society.
The volunteers made donations in both cash and kind.
Through on-site visits and in-depth exchanges, the volunteers were deeply moved by the teachers' unwavering dedication and spirit of service. To spread social warmth, uphold the value of selfless contribution, and practice Tongji University's motto of "Unity, Mutual Aid, and Benefiting Humanity," the volunteers generously made heartfelt donations, each contribution carrying profound care. They hoped to give back to society through their modest efforts and continue supporting the Special Olympics cause.
Interaction in a Relaxed Atmosphere
Then, the coaches organized everyone to play football mini-games. "Playing games is a way to understand and connect with the world," they said, as the group split into two teams for a friendly match. A few simple football drills quickly broke the ice—volunteers and Special Olympics athletes shed their initial shyness, building trust and camaraderie through playful passes and teamwork.
Even as the autumn rain fell relentlessly, it couldn’t dampen the passion of these football enthusiasts. Volunteers and athletes dashed across the field, their red and blue jerseys blurring through the downpour. By the time sweat soaked their jerseys and rain streaked their faces, the line between "typical" and "special" had long vanished on the pitch—only a shared love for the game shone brightly.
These well-designed activities aimed to create a harmonious environment for unified volunteers and Special Olympics athletes to interact, encouraging mutual trust, acceptance, and respect. Through meaningful connections, they helped the athletes better integrate into daily life. Ultimately, this Special Olympics charity event concluded successfully in an atmosphere of warm camaraderie between all participants.
Contributed by:Tongji EMBA Football Club
Edited/Reviewed by:Student and Alumni Office, Tongji EMBA Center
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