Lai Xuanzhi, a physical education teacher with the Qixing Primary School in Huadu in Guangdong’s capital city of Guangzhou, poses with medals won by his team. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nearly 40 percent of students at the school come from families of migrant workers; the rest are left-behind children of rural families.

"I decided to teach them jumping rope, which, I think, will help encourage them to become better involved in school and their studies," said Lai.

After years of training, Lai led his jump-rope team to championships on national and international stages.

"I have always wanted to promote jump rope, so that the sportsmanship could flourish around the world," Lai said.

At the end of 2018, Lai also worked as a teacher at the Chinese Cultural Center in Panama for a month in a sports exchange program between the two countries.

"Going to Panama for an educational exchange made my dream come true," said Lai.