The “Northeast Six Universities Innovation and Development Community Football Invitation Tournament,” hosted jointly by Dalian University of Technology, Northeastern University, Jilin University, Northeast Normal University, Harbin Institute of Technology, and Harbin Engineering University, is set to take place in Dalian from June 13 to June 18. The official mascot, named “Lianlian,” and the tournament emblem were recently unveiled.
The mascot “Lianlian” is inspired by the wild sika deer native to Dalian, embodying liveliness and youthful spirit. It connects regional culture, ecological beauty, and the football event. The name “Lianlian” is derived from the Chinese character for “Dalian” and also shares the same pronunciation and meaning as “link,” highlighting the collaborative development concept among the six universities and the city. It vividly conveys the warm and open atmosphere of Dalian, a city known for its football legacy.
The tournament emblem is designed around the themes of “unity, innovation, youthfulness, and regional connection.” The wave shape on the left represents Dalian’s distinct identity, symbolizing hope and progress. The rainbow-colored curves on the right, featuring six colors, reflect the exchange and cooperation among the six universities, as well as their joint innovation and shared advancement. A classic football graphic is embedded at the bottom, directly referencing the sport and conveying the spirit of competition, hard work, and teamwork.
The tournament’s slogan, “Meet Dalian, Youthful Football Dream,” resonates deeply. The phrase “Football Dream” is a homophone for “chase dreams” in Chinese, blending sportsmanship, youthful ambition, and urban development. For young participants, this is a pursuit of dreams; for Dalian, it is an invitation to the youth; and for the Northeast Six Universities Innovation and Development Community, it is a significant expression of uniting under the banner of youth and striving toward the future.
Li Guang, secretary-general of the Harbin Institute of Technology Dalian Alumni Association, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are very much looking forward to alumni coming to Dalian for this vibrant football gathering. The Dalian alumni association will actively support and participate in organizing the event, helping the teams showcase their skills and spirit while allowing everyone to better appreciate Dalian’s urban charm and development prospects through interaction.”
