More than 400 students and staff members gathered at YWIES Zhejiang Tongxiang for the Games—and every moment created a new spectacle. On the basketball court, a girls' team and their coach shouted in joy after securing their semi-final victory. On the football pitch, the goalkeeper grimaced after missing a shot, but his teammates rallied around, comforting him with pats on the back. Nearby, young handball players lined up to salute each other after their match. At the side of the field, a few students dashed to the faucets, to splash water on their sweaty faces and take a quick break.

But beyond these dynamic scenes, emerged some quieter stories:

Injin and Jayden from the YCIS Qingdao boys' football team are brothers, and they played side by side during the Games.

Maya, the star of YCIS Beijing girls' basketball team, strived hard to do her best because this would be her last inter-school tournament, as well as her final year in Beijing.

The combined girls' football team from YCIS Qingdao and YWIES Yantai bonded well, even after only one day.

So, what goes through these athletes' minds before they compete? What do they say to their rivals? And what do sports mean to them?

We surveyed the young athletes before the Games. Their responses revealed pre-match rituals, mutual respect, and some raw reflections.

Here, in their own words, are the voices of the Games.

Question.01 Please share your pre-game preparations

Before the game starts, I'll...

I talk to myself in the third person for example, "You can do this, Simoni!" I must eat milk chocolate before competing 🙏🙏🙏 Must stretch before competing I need to stay silent for the warm-up and before the kickoff. Eat banana Listen to music (ONE SPECIFIC SONG to lock in) I shake hands with my gang I imagine we're winning the match I buy myself a bottle of my favourite drink. If it tastes good, then chances are strong that I will win. But if it does not taste so good, then I will need to play carefully this round. I always step onto the pitch with my right foot first. I scuff the turf before starting.

Question.02 Your messages to competitors

To my competitor, I say this...

Who's as agile as a leopard? Me—not you! I appreciate this opportunity to play against you and I hope you have fun! Good luck!  Just try to beat us. Good game! Or, thank you! I want to say good luck to every single team and I hope all you guys can enjoy the game and not get injured. RESPECT Enjoy the game! Let's have a friendly match! We'll try our best.

Question.03 What do sports mean to you?

To me, sports are...

Who's as agile as a leopard? Me—not you! I appreciate this opportunity to play agSports are like retainers. They keeps me in place. Energy healing Sports are like exploring the unknown—we do not know what will happen. Sports are my passion; I just live with and adore sports. Basketball is my life. Sports are like a playground battle— where skill fights luck; hearts pound; and the score decides who cheers and who will try again. Sports are the heartbeat of life - pulsing with energy, rhythm, and the thrill of every moment. Fair play in sports is like a fluffy ball of  dandelion seeds— one gentle blow sends it floating everywhere. It's a way of relaxing. Sport brings people together.