In order to improve the cohesive force and collective consciousness, enhance the spirit of teamwork, and boost the morale of the trainees, and also to prepare for the upcoming internship in August, under the support of the Chinese Athletes Educational Foundation and the leadership of Dr. Chen’s physical rehabilitation team, the third term students of Dr. Chen’s Retired Athletes Physical Rehabilitation Training Class (known as the “Whampoa III”) left the hustle and bustle of Beijing, and went to the pleasant climate Chongli County of Zhangjiakou City to participate in outdoor hiking activities.  While relieving the pressure from intense study, the participants climbed the mountain together, watched the beautiful scenery from the top, and prepared themselves for the challenges of the upcoming team internship. 
 
As an applicant for the 2022 Winter Olympics, Chongli County is known as the “Holy Land of Skiing” due to its favorable natural conditions and beautiful scenery.  On the morning of August 2, they visited the ruins of the ancient Great Wall of the Ming Dynasty.  The beautiful mountain’s panoramic view was beneath them as they stood by the monument engraved with the words, “He who fails to reach the Great Wall is not a hero.”

The beautiful Cuiyun Mountain has a vast expanse of rolling woodlands, enchanting birch trees, tall and straight yellow pines and miles of forest trails.  Into the woods, they set off on their journey to climb over Cuiyun Mountain.  They hiked through 15 kilometers of meandering mountain trails in 4 hours.  Although exhausted and covered in sweat, everyone was in high spirits among such beautiful scenery.  Along the way, they chatted with and teased Dr. Chen, sharing their life stories and knowledge.  When they got tired, they applied the knowledge they had learned in the classroom on each other, stretching out to relax and massaging the pain away, and laughter could be heard coming from the mountain.  

The next day, after a mountain rain, they strolled among the grassy Huapi Ridge and Xiqueliang.  As the moist air, crisp sound of birds, emerald mountain and boundless wild flowers freed their minds, everyone was shouting out their dreams into the open valley. 
 
While resting, Dr. Chen pointed to the two mountains in front of them, and talked about the life philosophy stating that “between two mountain peaks, there must be a valley.”  In the ups and downs of life’s journey, one should brace oneself, face new challenges, and never give up.
 
The delightful mountain hike ended in the exchanges on life between Dr. Chen and the students.  Inspired by Dr. Chen and the teachers, the students started to understand that the future road of physical rehabilitation was like the rugged mountain road, and each person’s life would be full of ups and downs.  We all should face these twists and turns with the same mind set as when we climbed over the mountain, help and encourage each other, enjoy the “fun” that tortuousness has brought to us, and relentlessly continue on.  
 
The Whampoa III and the first term of Dr. Chen’s elite training course have entered the final stage of internship.  The trainees are gearing up, and cannot wait to apply their skills into practice.  Meanwhile, Dr. Chen’s studio will continue to promote more physical rehabilitation training classes.  Keep tuning in!