Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

The Shenzhen College of International Education (SCIE) has raised more than 16,000 yuan (US$2,436) by staging a 24-hour basketball challenge for Captivating International, an international charity that aims to elevate children and struggling families out of poverty.

The event, held at the Gallant Gymnasium of SCIE, started at 1 p.m. Thursday and ran through till 1 p.m. the next day. There were eight boys’ teams and four girls’ teams with a total of 96 students registered to play.

According to the rules, each team would have division games and each game lasted 20 minutes. Winners were decided by play-offs after the division games.

Throughout the day there were also different challenges for the players and every hour on the hour, spectators and players had a go at the “Moon Shot” challenge to win a prize.

“The biggest challenge for the players is balancing the amount of rest time between games and not being attempted to watch other teams’ games,” said Luke Walker, head of PE at SCIE, adding that the challenge is a test of both physical and mental strengths for the players.

According to Walker, he was overwhelmed by the number of students who had registered for the event. In total, 96 students registered within 48 hours after the poster was shared around campus and the registration had to be cut off early.

“The students all understand what it is about. They’re willing to come and do something special to help raise money and show everyone in the school that they are raising money for the charity,” said Walker.

Diana, captain of the girls’ team named MVP, told the Shenzhen Daily that her participation in the event was not only prompted by her passion for basketball, but also by the opportunity to do something meaningful for a good cause.

“The basketball challenge is special in itself as it requires players to compete for 24 hours straight. Moreover, it is initiated with a good intention and raises money for charity,” said Eric, captain of the boys’ team named Victoria’s Secret.

Rounded off with a brief closing ceremony, the 24-hour basketball challenge ended at 1 p.m. on Friday as scheduled. The winning boys’ and girls’ teams were called Cloud and Sleepers, respectively.