Alon Averbouch, a student in our EAS200Y course, has been awarded Third Prize at the 25th Chinese Bridge Chinese Proficiency Competition (Toronto Finals).
Chinese Bridge is a global Chinese language competition that celebrates the achievements of learners from around the world. This year’s Toronto Finals, hosted at Trent University on April 25, brought together participants from leading Ontario institutions, including Toronto Metropolitan University, the University of Waterloo, and all three campuses of the University of Toronto.
Having studied in our Chinese Language Program for just under two years, Alon Averbouch (艾龙奇) delivered a speech titled “Learning Chinese, I Will Win” with remarkable confidence, wit, and stage presence. His performance extended beyond speech. Incorporating bamboo clappers, a traditional Chinese percussion instrument, and guitar, he offered a creative retelling of the classic fable of the frog in the well, offering an imaginative and musical interpretation of the story that encourages people to broaden their horizons.
Alon’s talent performance was ranked first among all participants, while his speech placed fourth overall, earning him Third Prize in the competition.
Alon in talent show and speech
Reflecting on his experience, Alon shared that this journey has shown him how language opens not just doors, but entire ways of thinking – “I’m excited to keep going, and next time, I’ll aim even higher.” An audience member from Toronto Metropolitan University remarked after the event, “Alon’s passion was unmistakable. You could feel his enthusiasm for the language in every moment of his performance.”
Alon plans to pursue an exchange in China in Fall 2026 and looks forward to returning to the competition in the future.
Congratulations to Alon on this outstanding achievement.
Alon (right) receiving the prize from Ms. Allie Bonner, Representative from Peterborough MP Emma Harrison’s Office
Team UTSG (from left to right): Tianjue He, Alon’s Course Instructor (EAS200Y); Yanfei Li, Alon’s Competition Coach & Coordinator of the Chinese Language Program; Alon Averbouch and his cheerleaders – Grandma and younger brother