108 voices, one dream: global choirs captivate Chengdu World Games

The opening ceremony of The 2025 World Games in Chengdu united 108 children from four continents in a powerful rendition of "Countless Wonders," symbolizing global harmony and friendship through song.

CHENGDU, Aug. 9 (Xinhua) -- When 108 children from four continents harmonized the Chengdu World Games theme song "Countless Wonders" during Thursday's opening ceremony, their crystalline voices transformed the stadium into a cathedral of cross-cultural unity.

Under the baton of conductors from 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 - 'Niu Niu' meaning 'girls' in Chinese - brought the anthem's lyrics, 'Embracing all colors, countless dreams await,' to life as a living testament to the Games' spirit.

For 12-year-old Chloe from Italy's choir, the performance doubled as an unforgettable birthday celebration. "Marking my birthday on this global stage feels extraordinarily meaningful," the spirited singer told Xinhua, having practiced Mandarin lyrics like "We gather by appointment" - her favorite phrase for being "catchy and beautiful."

Her new friend Wang Ying, 12, from the mountainous Daliangshan region of Sichuan Province, mirrored the excitement: "Singing alongside international friends is thrilling."

Wang's handwritten phonetic notes for English lyrics "looking in your eyes" transcribed as "Lu K ying you er si" in wobbly script, revealing the choir's determination to perfect their performance, even practicing en route to Chengdu.

The Niu Niu Choir's journey to the World Games stage reads like a fairy tale. Founded in 2018 by music teacher Jibu Xiaolong at Dacaoxiang Central Primary School in rural Sichuan, the group began with children rehearsing folk songs on hillsides after long treks home.

"Singing brought them joy," recalled Jibu, noting their initial hesitation to accept the invitation due to potato-harvesting season.

"These girls traveled from mountain villages to the Spring Festival galas, and now to a world-class arena," said Zhang Qing, deputy director of the ceremonies. Their raw, emotional performance has captivated millions online.

Italian conductor Francesco emphasized the deeper significance: "It's very nice to have the possibility to learn one more song in Chinese and singing with a lot of Chinese children. It also spreads a message of peace and friendship."

The sentiment resonated globally, with American choir member Sloan vowing to "make the most of it" for the historic moment.

As the final notes faded, new dreams took flight: Chloe plans Chinese lessons, while Wang envisions visiting Italy. "I love singing and want my voice to reach every corner of the world," said 10-year-old Ma Xiaoying. ■