Senior School news

Norwich School welcomes Chinese delegation

10 November 2017

On Thursday 9th November, Norwich School welcomed a delegation from the Chinese State Sports General Administration Social Sports Centre to introduce Dragon & Lion Dancing, Roli-Ball and Health Qigon to Norfolk. The Lord Major of Norwich, Councillor David Fullman, was at the event to welcome the delegation and join in with the activities.

The group, led by Professional Chinese Coaches and Instructors, aim to broaden the view of Chinese culture and transitional sports for people in Norfolk. The project was organised by the Norwich Chinese Community Centre, with the help of the Friends of Norwich School.

The evening began with a demonstration of Taiji Roli-Ball, which the pupils, parents, teachers and even the Lord Major were then invited to get involved in. The game is based on combined movements inspired by Taiji Quan (Swings, rotations, ...) and the potential of a special racket with a flexible membrane, used with a weighted ball. With these gentle and continuous movements, Taiji Bailong Ball is an excellent workout for muscles and tendons, joints and for the cardiovascular system. The lower school pupils particularly enjoyed it, ‘I liked the Roli-Ball because it was really pretty’ said Jasmine, while Rachel said ‘it looked really nice and reminded me a bit of tennis’.

The evening ended with a demonstration of Dragon and Lion Dancing, with the massive colourful dragon impressively dancing its way around the sports hall before being handed over for everyone else to experience. Nicole said “it was really fun and exciting and very heavy”, her mum Rachel added “it was really enjoyable, a really nice experience to learn about Chinese culture and the kids really enjoyed it.”

After the event the children made a presentation to the Chinese Delegation and Mrs Hill and Miss Brugger accepted some Taiji Roli-Ball sets from the delegation on behalf of Norwich School.