Inaugural Charlotte Cup Unites Youth in a Celebration of Chinese Language and Culture
- Daheng Xiong
- May 12
- 6 min read
A Cultural Milestone for the Greater Charlotte Community
Charlotte, NC — April 27, 2025
On a radiant spring afternoon, the inaugural Chinese Recitation Contest Charlotte Cup was held at Fullwood Theater, welcoming over 200 young participants and their families from across North Carolina, New Jersey, Minnesota, Florida, and South Carolina. The event served as both a showcase and celebration of Chinese language and culture, offering a platform for students of diverse backgrounds to connect through spoken word and shared heritage.
Diversity in Harmony: A Fruitful Beginning
The contest was organized by Ms. Jenny Zhan, founder of Charlotte Chinese Story Time, in collaboration with head judge Ms. Yi-Li Fan, and received generous support from Culture Blocks and the local Chinese community. After over six months of dedicated planning, the event successfully brought together 152 contestants across eight divisions, grouped by age (3–6, 7–10, 11–15, 16–18) and language background (heritage and non-heritage speakers).
Following more than three hours of compelling recitations, 98 contestants were recognized with awards:
8 First Prizes
16 Second Prizes
26 Third Prizes
48 Excellence Awards
Additionally, 8 participants qualified for the Global Chinese Recitation Contest, which will be held online and include competitors from around the world.
A hallmark of the Charlotte Cup was its dual-registration mechanism, enabling participants to submit their performance to both the local and global contests. This inclusive approach emphasized outreach to both heritage and non-heritage learners, creating broader cultural impact and visibility.
Thoughtful Execution, Rooted in Dedication
The event was rich with heartwarming moments and impressive details. From the opening remarks by Culture Blocks’ representative to the heartfelt speeches by Jenny and Ms. Yi-Li Fan; from the seamless bilingual emceeing by Yifan Chen to the well-orchestrated event flow; from stable Wi-Fi access to staff members kneeling on the floor to tape down cables for safety—every small gesture reflected the professionalism and care behind the scenes.
Teachers held the hands of nervous young children as they entered the spotlight, gently adjusting microphones and offering comfort. A three-year-old, comforted by a teacher, bravely completed her very first stage performance. The audience responded with generous applause and encouragement. Stage lighting and sound were expertly managed, while photographers captured painterly highlights throughout the day. Even a simple moment—passing a bottle of water to a judge—spoke volumes about the team’s attentiveness. At multiple points, Ms. Fan convened impromptu meetings with the judges to ensure fair scoring, while Jenny moved constantly between the stage and backstage, coordinating every element of the event in real time.
For over two months, Jenny and Ms. Fan had meticulously planned every detail: drafting schedules, posting announcements, contacting community members, and hosting online workshops on recitation techniques. They built scoring rubrics, designed custom spreadsheets for tallying results, sourced and prepared trophies, certificates, and prizes, and patiently responded to numerous parent inquiries. They visited the venue in advance to inspect doors, lighting, sound, backdrop placement, and even custodial services. Sending emails to judges and families well past midnight became part of their daily routine.
No one truly knows how many sleepless nights they endured—yet the visible signs of exhaustion on their faces told the story. Driven by an unwavering sense of responsibility and love for their heritage, they poured themselves into this work, encouraging one another and pushing forward with exceptional stamina and resolve. They never faltered under the weight of fatigue, because their hearts were aflame with a deep devotion—an abiding love for Chinese culture and a commitment to passing it on to the next generation.
That devotion was returned in full: in the confident sparkle of a child reciting on stage, in the joyful cheers as winners raised their trophies, in the proud smiles of parents capturing memories, and in the quiet patience of families who waited hours just to witness one special moment. At that moment, every drop of effort was transformed into something far greater: a shared memory, a cultural bridge, and a gift from one generation to the next.
A Living Legacy: Continuing Cultural Traditions
“This is not an ending—it’s a new beginning,” said Jenny in her closing remarks. She announced that Charlotte Chinese Story Time will launch a free four-session Traditional Chinese Arts Workshop in September 2025, bringing cultural enrichment to more children across the Charlotte region.
Head judge Ms. Yi-Li Fan shared,
“I was honored to serve as both chief judge and artistic director for the ceremony. With our panel of nine esteemed judges, we witnessed a deep love for Chinese language from students ages 3 to 18—both heritage and non-heritage—and the incredible dedication of Chinese language educators in the U.S.”
Brooklyn, Manager of Culture Blocks, praised the event's organization and inspiring performances, calling it “a model for community-driven cultural celebration.”
Judge Ms. Ning Chen remarked:
“This event was the perfect harmony of timing, teamwork, and passion. As Ji Xianlin once said, ‘Time never speaks, yet it witnesses all sincerity.’ This contest reflected the truth of that wisdom.”
Teachers and families alike shared heartfelt reflections. Chinese teacher Ms. Jinjin Chen noted,
“Twelve of my sixteen students participated—nine won awards. Even those who didn’t join this year are already preparing for next year. More than a contest, this event created a bridge for cultural connection. Children even made new friends who also study Chinese across schools and districts.”
Many parents echoed similar sentiments, describing the contest as “a cultural spark” that inspired pride, joy, and renewed motivation for language learning.
An African-American mother joyfully shared,
“My daughter won a excellence award! We've always encouraged her to embrace Chinese culture. She’s grown so much through this journey, and we’re incredibly proud of her.”
Such stories exemplify how language learning—supported by families from all backgrounds—can nurture intercultural understanding and lifelong appreciation of heritage.
Artistic Highlights: Where Culture Meets Creativity
To elevate the event’s celebratory tone, Ms. Fan curated a special artistic segment during the awards ceremony, inviting local children to perform music and dance:
Looking Ahead
The success of the inaugural Charlotte Cup marks a meaningful milestone in Charlotte’s cultural landscape. It showcased not only the beauty of Chinese language and tradition, but also the shared values of perseverance, creativity, and community. As the torch is passed from generation to generation, Charlotte Chinese Story Time remains committed to nurturing young voices, preserving cultural roots, and building bridges across languages and cultures.
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