From April 4 to April 6, 2014, the 8th “Sharea” Cup National University Outdoor Skills Competition, organized by Peking University's Mountain Eagle Society, was successfully held. Coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the society, the competition's success served as a tribute to this milestone.
One of the highlights of the event was the opening performance, which kicked off to the rhythm of an exhilarating soundtrack. Two members of the Mountain Eagle Society swiftly ascended the South Wall from opposite sides. Upon reaching the top, they unfurled a banner at the cliff’s edge, which then slowly descended. Two majestic banners descended from the sky, with the upper inscription reading: “Mountain winds spur our resolve, forging ahead together with undivided hearts for twenty-five years,” and the lower line: “Eagles’ cries herald great journeys, as heroes march forward united, sharing a passion that fills the hall.” This creatively surprising opening performance won thunderous applause from the audience.
After the exciting performances, Zhang Mohan, president of Peking University’s Mountain Eagle Society, delivered a speech on behalf of the organizers. This was followed by speeches from Li Ning, Director of the Physical Education Department at Peking University, Wang Yiming, Deputy Secretary of the Peking University Youth League Committee, and Ciluo, Deputy Director of the Mountaineering Exploration Department at the China Mountaineering Association. The opening ceremony also invited Ouyang Xu, a distinguished alumnus of Peking University, a founding member of the Mountain Eagle Society, President of the Tibet Outdoor Association, and Chairman of Tibet Tourism, who reflected on the early days of the society, recalling its initial struggles and inspiring moments. Despite 25 years of challenges, the spirit and character of each generation of Mountain Eagles remain unchanged, as does their passion and aspiration for mountain climbing. Other guests at the ceremony included Qian Yongjian, Deputy Secretary of the Peking University Physical Education Department, Sun Bin, former Mountain Eagle Society member and Principal of Peak Outdoor Sports School, and Quentin, Marketing Director of Sharea, representing the sponsors.
After the opening ceremony, the competitions commenced in different zones. Four major events—rock climbing bouldering, survival escape, ladder climbing, and equipment skills—started simultaneously, creating an intensely vibrant atmosphere.
[Rock Climbing Bouldering Competition]The competition was intense. The bouldering event featured five routes, and participants chose routes based on their abilities, with the goal of completing as many as possible. The competition area often witnessed dynamic moves—leaps where both hands and feet left the holds simultaneously in an attempt to grab higher ones. As the audience held their breath, sudden bursts of cheers erupted. In the speed climbing segment, both male and female athletes raced against time with remarkable agility. The commentary for the rock climbing bouldering event was handled by Li Lan, a veteran member of the Mountain Eagle Society, bringing great surprise and encouragement to the participants.
[Survival Escape]This event simulated three participants stranded on a cliff, needing to climb to the top to survive. Contestants could only use a single piece of equipment—a rope approximately 30 meters long—to scale a nearly four-meter-high vertical wall. In these “moments of crisis,” participating teams demonstrated boundless creativity and employed ingenious strategies. Under the dual test of teamwork and physical endurance, no team gave up until the very last minute, fully embodying the competitive spirit.
[Ladder Climbing]This challenge required three athletes to scale a 12-meter-high ladder made of seven horizontal beams without using any tools. Team members cooperated ingeniously, utilizing stepping, pushing, pulling, lifting, hooking, and hanging techniques in a thrilling display that drew continuous cheers from the spectators.
[Equipment Skills]This event focused on testing the survival capabilities of the participating teams in the wild. From folding tent poles to the placement of sleeping pads, every detail was scrutinized under strict competition rules. The challenge wasn’t meant to frustrate participants but to emphasize that attention to detail ensures safety. The deeper purpose of the event was to promote proper outdoor practices.
At 4 p.m., the first day of the competition concluded. A subsequent buffet allowed participants to exchange experiences and build friendships.
[Orienteering Competition]kicked off at 9 a.m. on April 6 at Beigong Forest Park. Participants had to rely solely on maps and compasses to locate checkpoints, demanding strong map-reading and orientation skills. During the event, team members studied maps together, encouraged one another, and their determined sprints caught the attention of park visitors. When teams crossed paths, they cheered each other on, contributing to an excellent competitive atmosphere. The orienteering competition concluded around noon, marking the successful completion of the two-day event.
At the closing ceremony, Shi Hao, Chairman of the Mountain Eagle Society Council, delivered the closing remarks. This was followed by the award ceremony, where teams posed for photos with their society flags, making plans to meet again next year. Beyond the competition, the event provided a platform for university outdoor clubs to share experiences, learn from one another, and work together to advance university outdoor sports. Congratulations once again to the 8th Sharea Cup National University Outdoor Skills Competition for its resounding success.
Winners List:(Competition prizes were provided by the event sponsor, Sharea)
[Top Five Overall]:
Peking University Mountain Eagle Society,
Tsinghua University Mountain Wilderness Association,
Zhejiang Ocean University Island Wilderness Survival Team,
Beihang University Lingfeng Society,
Hefei Vocational College of Finance and Economics Rock Climbing Team.
[Sportsmanship Award]: China University of Geosciences (Wuhan) Shanmingzhi Outdoor Sports Club
[Outdoor Spirit Award]: Xinjiang University Chiji Society
[Determination Award]: Shanghai Jiao Tong University Wilderness Survival Association
[Rookie Team Award]: Wuhan University Baxingzhe Outdoor Sports Association
[Best Team Award]: Beijing Normal University Green Camp Outdoor Sports Association
[Rock Climbing Bouldering Single Event Award]: Southwest Jiaotong University Pan Shi
[High Altitude Skills Single Event Award]: Xiamen University Mountaineering Association
[Equipment Skills Single Event Award]: Nanjing University of Science and Technology Mountaineering Association
[Orienteering Single Event Award]: Shenzhen University Mountaineering Association