China–U.S. Youth Meet on the Court, Connect Beyond the Game

The 2026“Crossover To The Future” Sino-U.S. Youth Sports Festival basketball event concluded on March 31 in Chongqing. A delegation of 46 female players and coaches from ten high schools in California joined teams from six schools in Chongqing for a series of friendly matches.

On March 31, the 2026“Moving Toward the Future — China–U.S. Youth Sports Exchange”basketball event concluded in Chongqing. Young participants from both China and the United States gathered for a group photo. （CNS）

Over the course of five days, young athletes from both countries not only showcased their skills and competitive spirit on the court, but also deepened mutual understanding and forged genuine friendships off it. Through sport, they built bridges of unity; through dialogue, they nurtured shared understanding.

Liliana Cookie Marques, a student from the United States, shared that she felt fortunate to immerse herself in a new culture, experience unfamiliar beauty, and meet warm, sincere people. “This journey will stay with me forever,” she said. “The most precious takeaway is the connection we built through basketball—it showed me that friendship can transcend language and background, and take root anywhere in the world.”

Wang Yuanyuan, a player from the girls’basketball team of Chongqing Bashu Secondary School, reflected, “On the court, we are opponents, giving our all; off the court, we are friends, exchanging smiles and high-fives.” She admired the American players’ skill, confidence, and teamwork. “Though we come from different countries and speak different languages, our love for basketball and our youthful passion are the same. This exchange is not about winning or losing—it is about growth; not about differences, but about friendship.”

During their visit to Chongqing Stilwell Museum, the American delegation explored the former residence of General Joseph Stilwell and learned about his role in supporting China during wartime. Yailene Rosa Jones, visiting Chongqing for the first time, was particularly struck by the story of the Stilwell Road, which once played a crucial role in transporting wartime supplies. “Experiences like this help us better understand both ourselves and each other,” she noted.

Antonio Yung, Chief Representative of California Capital - Sacramento China Office, remarked that over the five days, American students gained a deeper understanding of China while experiencing the warmth of its people and the vibrant energy of Chongqing. “We are honored to visit places like Chongqing Stilwell Museum. The long-standing friendship between the United States and China reminds us that the roots of our relationship run deep.”

（Source: CNS）