Cultural and Artistic Reformation Activity - Nine-Square Grid Ball Throwing Competition

To promote proper leisure activities, improve physical and mental health, cultivate a sense of honor, encourage competition and diligence, and achieve educational purposes, our facility held a nine-square grid throwing competition for inmates on July 18^th, 2024. A total of 32 teams, comprising 64 participants, competed in the event.

The nine-square grid competition involved teams of two, with each participant having five throwing opportunities. The scoring method was based on the numbers hit on the target board, with the total scores of both team members determining the final ranking. Inmate A Yuan (pseudonym) expressed that while the game seemed simple, it actually required precise control to knock down all the targets, which was quite challenging. The thrown balls often landed in the same square, resulting in only one score. Attempting to hit other numbers for higher scores frequently led to misdirected throws and missed targets, reflecting A Yuan’s life experience. He initially focused on earning money through simple, repetitive labor, but found it difficult to increase his wealth quickly. His impatience for quick success led to poor decisions and a series of uncontrollable actions, wasting his precious youth.

Warden Huang Hongxi noted that the nine-square grid game reminded him of Major League Baseball player Shohei Ohtani, who used the "nine-square target achievement method" to create specific and meticulous plans, gradually approaching and achieving his goals. This transformed him into an outstanding athlete in the baseball world with professional skills and a strong mindset. Huang encouraged the inmates to emulate this spirit, carefully plan the goals for the second half of their lives, and strive to hit their targets accurately, thereby regaining their honor.

After several rounds of competition, the event concluded in a relaxed yet slightly tense atmosphere. Winners for the first, second, third, and fourth places were announced, and prizes were awarded. All participants were encouraged to put in their best effort to avoid future regrets, echoing the words of Western philosopher Nietzsche: "That which does not kill us makes us stronger." Regardless of winning or losing, participating fully in any competition, enjoying the process, and challenging oneself ultimately leads to growth and becoming the winner of one's own life.