Six girls from the remote rural Daliangshan Mountain in southwest China's Sichuan Province joined an international group of children to perform at Thursday's opening ceremony of the 12th World Games in Sichuan's Chengdu, singing the theme song.
The six girls are from Niu Niu Choir -- "Niu Niu" meaning "girls" in Chinese. They were part of 108 children from four continents harmonizing the theme song "Countless Wonders" at the opening ceremony.
These young singers are from the U.S. group OneVoice, Italy's Piccolo Coro dell'Antoniano, Shanghai's Xiuqiuhua (Hydrangea) Choir, the Chengdu City Concert Hall Choir, and the Daliangshan Niu Niu Choir. They brought the anthem's lyrics, "Embracing all colors, countless dreams await," to life as a living testament to the Games' spirit.
For the Niu Niu Choir girls, this was their first appearance on the stage of an international sporting event. This year, they performed a traditional folk song on the main stage of the Spring Festival Gala, the largest TV program watched by millions and millions of Chinese families on Chinese New Year's Eve.
Founded in 2018 by music teacher Jibu Xiaolong at Dacaoxiang Central Primary School in rural Sichuan, the Niu Niu Choir began with children rehearsing folk songs on hillsides after long treks home.
"The choir is like a small family. They are like sisters to each other. They encourage and support each other," said Jibu Xiaolong.
After receiving an invitation from the World Games, the six members traveled from the mountainous area to Chengdu. However, the English lyrics of the theme song presented a challenge for the children as they didn't know how to speak English.
"With the help of professional teachers, they learned very well and now know the song perfectly," said Jibu Xiaolong.
During this trip, they had the opportunity to explore Chengdu and connect with children from different countries, creating lasting memories.
"This was our first time learning English. During rehearsals, I made friends with a little child from America. We became very close," said a member of Niu Niu Choir.
Girls choir from mountainous area joins 12th World Games opening ceremony singing
