Fun Sports in Summer

 

A sunny summer day fills people with excitement. Come on, let's get moving and free your mind and body with us! The independent international news media, "Global People Daily News," has produced an online program called "Fun Sports in Summer." We have invited a group of good friends who love sports to share the best activities for summer and the various emotions and benefits they have gained from participating in sports.

 

Walking the same road 100 times or exploring 100 different roads, each with its own unique pleasures is the reason why Stella Hsieh finds so much joy in hiking. She believes that hiking is convenient and easy to do, allowing you to walk alone or choose to explore the world and experience life with a group of partners. The Central Cross-Island Highway, which traverses the Central Mountain Range of Taiwan, boasts precipitous cliffs and showcases different beauty in each season. In July 2020, Stella Hsieh's family carried their own gears throughout the entire journey and took on the challenge of completing this meaningful family hike. The Kumano Kodo in Japan and the Camino de Santiago (The Way of St. James) in Spain are the only two pilgrimage routes in the world that have been registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. During the program, Stella shared her experience of hiking the Kumano Kodo alongside her friend Yiling in May 2023.

 

Francisco Martinez, the Head of Economic Promotion Affairs, is not only passionate about his professional work but also loves hiking. For him, connecting with nature is not just a means to relax and alleviate stress, but also a source of inspiration and fresh ideas to confront life's numerous challenges. Francisco encourages everyone to venture outdoors and spend quality time with their loved ones, enjoying the beauty of a good day together.

 

Amy Peng, an after-school English teacher with a deep passion for dance, believes that dance serves as a language capable of expressing unexplainable passion and love for life. In the program, she highlighted Orchid Island, a small island located in the Pacific Ocean off the east coast of Taiwan, often referred to as the "Hawaii of the East." This island is home to the Tao aboriginal community, which possesses a distinctive culture and way of life. The islanders rely on fishing and farming as their primary means of livelihood and have a rich tribal heritage that encompasses dance and music. Amy Peng shared a heartfelt video of her witnessing the breathtaking sunrise on Orchid Island, where she was profoundly moved by the harmonious blend of mountains, sea, and nature, prompting her to unleash her inner dancer in response

 

In recent years, freediving has gained significant popularity. Johnson Chen, an executive of the Central District of the Chinese Taipei Underwater Federation's Recreational Diving and Freediving Committee, explains that freediving offers a unique and serene experience compared to most sports that rely on sympathetic nerve activity and adrenaline stimulation. Unlike scuba diving, freediving requires simpler equipment, offers a more relaxed atmosphere, and allows for better interactions with marine life. According to Johnson, breath-holding duration underwater depends on the individual's physical condition, breathing preparation, and maintaining a state of relaxation, similar to the practices of qigong or yoga. He believes that the "freedom" experienced in freediving stems from the discipline and courage developed through practice, empowering individuals to confront challenges and savor every moment of freedom in their lives.