Winter may be cold, but winter sports are hot in Mudanjiang. Students are experiencing different winter activities in their P. E. classes.

“Our teachers built a skating rink (滑冰场) for the students on the playground after it snowed,” said Li Min, a P. E. teacher at a school. “Our school has a long tradition in skating, and offers speed skating classes to students from the seventh to ninth grade.”

Fifteen-year-old Liu Yue is the captain (队长) of the school speed skating team. Together with her twenty-six teammates, she practices skating for two hours every weekday. “My body becomes warm while skating, and our teachers are always with us, so we are not afraid of cold weather, either mentally (精神上) or physically,” she said.

Li Min developed his interest in skating at the school as a seventh grader. He became a P. E. teacher at the school after graduating from college. “I am proud to see children showing off (炫耀) their skills on the rink. I hope that they can get chances to take part in some national competitions,” said Li Min.

With the temperature dropping to around -20℃, the students at No.101 Middle School were enjoying a game of snow soccer.

Han Fei, a seventh grader, is among those who have signed up (报名) for the after-school activity and plays every Thursday afternoon. “Sometimes we take off our coats while playing snow soccer. It’s a really good way to improve fitness in winter,” he said.

“Snow soccer can teach students to get over (克服) difficulties, and give them confidence and a sense of solidarity (团结) through teamwork,” said the school’s headmaster.