China names model projects in fitness volunteer services to boost public engagement

BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) — China’s sports authorities have named 50 exemplary projects as models for fitness volunteer services, aiming to boost public engagement in sports volunteerism and promote national fitness development.
These projects were selected from 387 submissions and cover diverse themes, including rural revitalization, youth development, disability support, intelligent services, and senior care. Each project has operated continuously for at least three years, meeting key criteria for sustained impact and effectiveness.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that the General Administration of Sport of China has recognized national fitness volunteer service projects. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 293 projects have been honored for their contributions to public health, each promoting physical activity and offering scientific training guidance to new participants.
One notable project among the selected 50 comes from the Hainan Provincial Darts Association, led by Miao Jiajia, a national-level darts referee and the association’s vice head. The association has been running a voluntary service project for several years, focusing on training individuals with physical disabilities.
“Playing darts is a good way for disabled individuals to exercise and build confidence,” Miao explained. “Since our association was founded in 2015, we’ve donated equipment to a local special education school, introduced the sport to children there, and later invited people with disabilities to our club for training and competitions. Many of our members are active in our voluntary services.”
In 2023 alone, the association organized around 1,000 competitions that included both able-bodied participants and individuals with disabilities. Over the past two years, the project has served more than 2,300 people, helping nine individuals with disabilities become professional darts players, five of whom won gold medals in national-level para events. “Darts is not just a sport for people with disabilities; it’s a way for them to better integrate into society,” Miao added.
Beyond social associations and clubs, professional athletes, coaches, teachers, and students from sports colleges play a vital role in voluntary services. Taekwondo Olympic champions Wu Jingyu, Zhao Shuai, and Zheng Shuyin actively participate, regularly visiting communities, schools, and kindergartens to share their skills and inspiring stories.
Since 2022, the Chinese Taekwondo Association has organized 12 events where champions visit schools, reaching over 2,000 students. “Through these events, I hope to encourage students to exercise, discover a sport they love, and stick with it,” said Wu Jingyu, a two-time Olympic champion and vice president of the Chinese Taekwondo Association. “They can learn perseverance and resilience through sports, and, most importantly, enjoy the health and happiness it brings.” ■