Taiping Elementary School Graduates Complete 100km Cycling Challenge to Eluanbi

Central News Agency (Kaohsiung, June 2) - The '100km Cycling Challenge to Eluanbi,' a graduation season activity at Taiping Elementary School in Siaogang District, Kaohsiung, has entered its third year. This year, a record number of 35 students participated, cycling 100 kilometers from Kaohsiung to Eluanbi, the southernmost point of Taiwan, to complete a passionate graduation gift with perseverance and courage. Taiping Elementary School stated in a press release today that with the support of the Parent-Teacher Association and the participation of teachers, students, and parents, a record 35 students participated this year. The cycling activity began early on the 30th. Students gathered on campus in the morning, accompanied by their parents, to prepare for departure. Before setting off, the commander-in-chief gave safety instructions, and lead coaches for each group guided the fleet to depart in order. The school gate was crowded with parents seeing them off, recording their children's departure with their phones in a heartwarming scene. This year, 35 students participated, including 14 graduating students, 12 current students, and 9 alumni, with the youngest rider being in the second grade. In addition, 8 parents rode along, and a total of 53 people participated, including teachers and staff. Along the way, more than 10 parents provided support and encouragement by bike or car. The school arranged two-stage training of 20km and 50km in advance. The fleet was divided into 2 teams and 4 groups, each equipped with a lead coach and teachers. Supply vehicles and support cars also followed. After each rest, the head coach reminded the group of road conditions and safety to ensure the smooth progress of the activity. First-time participant Huang Kun-tse said that he couldn't ride a bike when he signed up, but he was attracted by the scenery of Eluanbi and decided to learn. 'I believed in myself, worked hard, and finally did it.' Student Liang Pin-yen said that he was physically exhausted halfway, but seeing his father, who had just finished a night shift, come to cheer for him, he regained his strength instantly. 'I want to participate again next year.' Principal Weng Jui-mei of Taiping Elementary School said that the 100km cycling challenge is not just a physical test, but a hope that students can learn to face setbacks and break through themselves through training and persistence, and accumulate growth experience from teamwork. The continued success of this activity relies on the close cooperation between parents and the school, becoming an important force in accompanying children's growth.