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Yuan Ze University continued to promote sports for all by leveraging its campus athletic facilities and strengths in developing athletic talent. The 2026 2nd YZU Cup National Age-Group Short Course Swimming Championships were held from October 31 to November 1 at the swimming pool of Yuan Ze University’s Health and Fitness Center.
The event attracted 804 competitors from 125 participating organizations nationwide, representing an increase of more than 50% from the 523 competitors who took part in the inaugural championships. From young children and teenagers to adults and older participants, swimmers of different generations gathered at the pool, demonstrating the cross-generational appeal of swimming and highlighting YZU’s achievements in promoting public health by integrating expertise in physical education, campus facilities, and social engagement.
Hosted by Yuan Ze University and organized by the Office of Physical Education, the championships were conducted in a 25-meter short-course pool with competitors divided into different age groups and categories, giving swimming enthusiasts of different ages and ability levels opportunities to challenge themselves. Competitors raced through the water toward the finish while parents, family members, and friends cheered enthusiastically from poolside, filling the campus with energy and excitement.
This year’s championships introduced two new events for children aged six and under: the 25-meter kickboard event and the 4×25-meter kickboard relay. The events became highlights of the competition. Encouraged by their parents and coaches, the young swimmers bravely completed their challenges. In addition to experiencing the excitement of competition, they developed aquatic skills, confidence in sports, and teamwork from an early age, helping establish a strong foundation for swimming education.
Yuan Ze University had long emphasized physical education and the development of athletic talent. In addition to regularly organizing campus sports competitions and aquatic activities, the University recruited outstanding athletes in swimming, basketball, badminton, tennis, volleyball, bowling, fencing, and kendo through its admissions program for students with outstanding athletic achievements. By combining academic development with specialized athletic training, YZU provided students with diverse opportunities for personal growth. The Health and Fitness Center also served as an important venue for promoting sports on campus. By hosting national competitions, the University extended its athletic resources to local communities and the wider public, enhancing the public-service value of its campus sports facilities.
In competitive sports, Yuan Ze University’s varsity teams continued to demonstrate strong performances at the National Intercollegiate Athletic Games in recent years. In 2023, YZU athletes won one gold, three silver, and five bronze medals, for a total of nine medals. In 2024, they earned three gold, one silver, and three bronze medals, for a total of seven. In 2025, YZU won three bronze medals in fencing, judo, and taekwondo. The University placed third in the Men’s General Division Team Épée event, the Men’s General Division Judo Sixth Weight Category, and the Women’s General Division 53 kg Taekwondo Kyorugi event. At the 2026 National Intercollegiate Athletic Games, YZU’s tennis team also tied for third place in the Men’s General Division Team event, demonstrating the strength and potential of its students across a wide range of competitive sports. Looking ahead, the University said it would continue to strengthen its varsity team training system, provide comprehensive training resources and competition support, encourage students to participate actively in national competitions, and enhance YZU’s competitive athletic performance and external visibility.
Yuan Ze University said that physical education focused not only on competitive achievements but also on fostering healthy lifestyles, teamwork, and lifelong exercise habits. The University said it would continue to build on the strengths of its campus athletic facilities and professional expertise in physical education while integrating athletic talent development, competitive exchanges, and the promotion of sports for all. Through these efforts, YZU aimed to create a diverse and inclusive platform for sports development. The University also looked forward to welcoming even more competitors and families to the 3rd YZU Cup in 2027, extending enthusiasm for sports throughout the campus and surrounding communities.
