Chinese Speech Competition Held in Calgary
- overseascd
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
【CMHnews Post】On June 14, 2026, Calgary hosted a vibrant cultural event filled with youthful energy—the Calgary regional finals of the 19th “Chinese Bridge” Chinese Proficiency Competition for Secondary School Students and the 25th “Chinese Bridge” Competition for University Students. Approximately 200 guests from the local government, education sector, and Chinese community, along with teachers, students, and parents, gathered to witness this meaningful moment of cultural exchange.
More than a contest of language skills, the competition served as a bridge connecting civilizations. Ms. Zhao Liying, Consul General of China in Calgary, and Mr. Nathan Ip, Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, delivered opening remarks to officially launch the event.
In her speech, Consul General Zhao noted that the Chinese language carries the profound legacy of Chinese civilization and reflects the remarkable development of contemporary China. She emphasized that learning Chinese is not merely about mastering a language, but about opening a window to better understand China. She expressed her hope that through the “Chinese Bridge” platform, young people will become ambassadors of China–Canada friendship and promoters of cultural exchange.
MLA Nathan Ip, speaking from the perspective of local society and multiculturalism, highlighted the important role of Chinese language education in fostering cultural understanding and enhancing communication among diverse communities. His remarks reflected Canada’s continued commitment to multicultural inclusion, as well as the strong foundation of people-to-people exchanges between China and Canada.
This year marks the 56th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Canada. Over more than half a century, this relationship has laid a solid foundation for cooperation in education, culture, trade, and beyond. As an essential component of bilateral ties, subnational cooperation also holds profound significance.
Against this historical backdrop, the “Chinese Bridge” competition is not only a language education event, but also carries the important mission of deepening cultural connections and continuing the tradition of friendship.
A Stage for Youth: New Expressions of Cultural Exchange
During the competition, participants delivered speeches on topics including Chinese culture, their personal growth experiences, and stories of China–Canada exchanges. Using fluent Chinese, they expressed their understanding of and appreciation for Chinese culture. Such spontaneous expressions from the younger generation embody the most dynamic aspect of China–Canada relations. Language, in this context, becomes more than a tool—it serves as a bond of emotional connection and cultural identity.
In an era shaped by globalization and multicultural interaction, the future of China–Canada relations depends not only on government-level engagement, but also on mutual understanding and communication among people—especially the younger generation.
What this speech competition in Calgary demonstrates is a gentle yet powerful force: bringing people closer through language learning, and bridging differences through cultural understanding.
Reporter：BingQing
《天时周刊》官网站
我们一起看世界！
Comments