On the morning of March 10, a welcome ceremony was held in Meeting Room 505 of the Science and Technology Building for the visiting delegation from the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA). The visit aimed to enhance cultural exchange and cooperation between the two sides, fostering deeper integration in sports education and athletic culture. President Lei Rujin of Hubei Normal University and Professor Christopher Hazard, President of the GAA, attended the ceremony, along with over 40 participants including representatives from the College of Teacher Education, College of Physical Education, and School of Foreign Languages, as well as members of the delegation.

During the ceremony, President Lei Rujin extended a warm welcome to the Irish guests. He emphasized that sports serve as a bridge transcending borders and connecting people, noting that Gaelic games, as an integral part of Irish culture, exemplify the unique charm and unifying spirit of athletics. He expressed confidence that this visit would lay a solid foundation for future collaboration in sports education, training methodologies, and student athletic programs.

Professor Christopher Hazard, President of the GAA and an honorary professor at Hubei Normal University, expressed his honor in returning to the university for further exchange. He remarked that this visit not only marked the beginning of sports collaboration but also represented a significant step in cultural dialogue between China and Ireland. Professor Hazard expressed his hope that the visit would further strengthen the friendship between the GAA and Hubei Normal University.

Mr. Sean Cunningham, a foreign teacher at the School of Foreign Languages, also delivered a speech, sharing his experiences living and teaching in China and expressing his support and optimism for Sino-Irish cultural exchange.

During the ceremony, both sides exchanged commemorative gifts and took group photos. The GAA delegation’s itinerary in Huangshi is packed with diverse activities, including visits to the College of Sports Science, Huangshi Kangqiao Future High School, and Huangshi No. 1 High School, where they will engage in in-depth sports and cultural exchanges with students. Later, the delegation will travel to Wuhan and Beijing to further explore China’s historical heritage and modern development.

This visit not only promotes Sino-Irish cooperation in sports but also builds a bridge for cultural exchange between the two areas.