Through a joint effort with the National Elementary and Secondary School Sports Education Steering Committee and the China Education Development Foundation, Nike announced the results for Nike’s Active Schools Innovation Award Sunday evening at the Water Cube National Swimming Center in Beijing.
After evaluating over 1,000 cases, the panel of judges decided on the final award winners: 28 teachers were recognized for Innovation in Culture of Sport; 25 teachers were awarded for Innovation in PE Lessons; and 47 teachers won awards for Innovation in Extracurricular PE Activity. Of these winners, 30 teachers will be given an opportunity from the Nike Community Impact department to visit the U.S. for exchange and training.
“PE teachers are messengers who share knowledge and culture about physical education. All of you are the ‘heroes’ who ignite your students’ love for sports and motivate them to take part in sports activities. You hold one of the greatest and most important jobs. Your dedicated efforts help children grow up healthy, and your devotion deserves attention and recognition,” said Angela Dong, vice president and general manager of Nike Greater China. “Nike will continue to work with the Ministry of Education to collect and recognize excellent cases from the Active Schools program, promoting innovative practices in physical education and fostering sports culture in Chinese schools, so together we can pass on the power and joy of sports to even more children.”
Legendary Chinese athletes Li Na and Liu Xiang attended the event as award presenters, and the award ceremony culminated with the appearance of the world’s top soccer player Cristiano Ronaldo, who came to the Beijing event as part of his “Ignite Brilliance” trip to China.
The Active Schools program is part of a long-term strategic partnership between Nike and the Chinese Ministry of Education that aims to encourage children to get active both inside and outside the classroom. As part of this collaboration, the Active Schools Innovation Award is designed to encourage and reward innovative practices for physical education in primary schools, as well as share and promote related experiences, best practices and achievements across regions. The awards also aim to motivate more front-line PE teachers to use innovative ways to encourage children to participate in and become passionate about sports activities.
“Physical education is an integral part of education. Sports are not only beneficial to one’s health, but are also a means to cultivate one’s personality, build character and foster team spirit. All of this stems from allowing students to truly experience the joy of sports,” said Wang Dengfeng, director of the Department of Physical Education and Art Education under the Ministry of Education. “The Active Schools Innovation Award is a significant explorative effort by the Ministry of Education to bring in social resources to support physical education. I hope that with the implementation of the Active Schools initiative, more outstanding role models will emerge from the PE teaching field to help promote youth sports in China.”
Winning Examples of Innovation Recognized by Li Na, Liu Xiang and Cristiano Ronaldo
Liu Jianhua, winner of the award for Innovation in Culture of Sport and volunteer teacher in Yire Village of the Erqi Township in Meigu County, Liangshan, Sichuan Province, made the most of existing facilities at his school’s rural location to encourage children to get active. This included regularly showing sports videos to students and organizing a school basketball team and cheerleading squad.
Zhang Jing, a PE teacher from the Dongsheng District 4th Primary School of Ordos, Inner Mongolia, innovated from the ordinary by taking advantage of simple equipment to create new group exercises that enabled full, active participation from all of the students.
Li Na presented the Innovation in Extracurricular PE activity award to Zhang Jing and others, and noted, “I started playing tennis when I was 6 and have met many excellent teachers and coaches during my career. I have benefitted from their support, guidance and encouragement throughout my life. I hope the Innovation Award event will attract more public attention for PE teachers, giving them more recognition and respect.”
Guo Heng, winner of the award for Innovation in PE Lessons and a teacher from Longxi Special Education School, Gansu Province, originally taught math but volunteered to become a PE teacher at a school for the hearing impaired. After joining the school staff, he began to learn sign language and organized a track and field team for deaf students to give them the opportunity to participate and ultimately develop a love for sports.
Liu Xiang, who has participated in several previous Active Schools programs, presented the award for Innovation in PE Lessons, and noted: “Children cannot grow up healthy without the right instructions from PE teachers. We should give you our special appreciation for all your hard work. I hope the Active Schools program brings sports culture and knowledge to more areas in China, and eventually helps even more children get active.”
Lv Shaowu, winner of the award for Innovation in Culture of Sport, is a teacher from Hekou Primary School of the Yongji Township in Longxi County, Dingxi City, Gansu Province. Combining his love for soccer and passion for promoting the healthy growth of children, Lv Shaowu volunteered to work as a PE teacher and designed a comprehensive curriculum for children which covers warm-up exercises, basic skills, team training and soccer knowledge. In the absence of sufficient teaching facilities at his school, Lv bought sports equipment at his own expense. This not only encouraged the children to get moving, but also ensured that they are able to freely enjoy engaging in sports activities under appropriate guidance at school.
In recognition of his contribution, Lv Shaowu was presented with a pair of CR7 Mercurial Campeões boots by Cristiano Ronaldo, who appeared at the awards ceremony and stated, “I’m thrilled to be here and to celebrate all of the PE teachers who are inspiring young athletes in China. The work you do is very important. Congratulations on this award, and thank you for all that you’re doing with the kids at your school. You are making a difference in their lives.”
75 pairs of the CR7 Mercurial Campeões boots inscribed with unique numbers were created by Nike for Cristiano Ronaldo to honor his remarkable achievements. Additionally, 49 pairs of these shoes are being auctioned in partnership with Alibaba. Nike will match the proceeds, and the combined funds will be donated to the China Education and Development Foundation, Nike’s Active Schools program and Lv’s HeKou Primary School.
“I had never dreamed of standing face-to-face with Cristiano Ronaldo. Soccer is like my second life. Helping more children fall in love with and enjoy soccer is the greatest joy for me. It’s an unforgettable experience for me to be recognized and encouraged by Cristiano Ronaldo. I will continue to work even harder,” said Lv Shaowu.
About Nike Community Impact:
Nike believes in the power of sport to move the world and unleash human potential. However, the world is moving less and less, and today’s generation of children is the least physically active ever. That’s why Nike works to get kids (ages 7-12) active early and for life, because kids are made to play, not to sit still, and active kids are happier, healthier and more successful. Together with its employees, partners, consumers and athletes, Nike also supports important causes which strengthen communities across the globe. Learn more.
