A flash flood struck early Tuesday in Rongjiang County in Guizhou Province on the Chinese mainland, best known for hosting the spirited Cun Chao village football league. By 8 a.m., torrents of water had engulfed the stadium in just 10 minutes, catching players and fans off guard.
When the floodwaters receded by Thursday, they left behind thick layers of mud — in some areas up to 60 centimeters deep. The beloved field looked more like a clay pit than a football ground.
Rather than wait for outside assistance, the Cun Chao team captain rallied his squad with shovels and brooms. Cheerleaders exchanged pom-poms for work gloves, and even match commentators grabbed tools, transforming the cleanup into a full-village effort.
Neighbors contributed meals, equipment and words of encouragement as the community toiled side by side. Within 48 hours, most of the mud was swept away, and volunteers began patching up goalposts and repainting boundary lines.
This swift, grassroots response showcases how sports communities on the Chinese mainland harness unity and resilience to bounce back from natural disasters. As the Cun Chao league gears up to kick off the next season, their story stands as a powerful reminder: when a team comes together, no flood can stand in its way.
Reference(s):
Flood hits Guizhou's Cun Chao: Team and cheerleaders rush to aid
cgtn.com
