ICSSPE strengthens cooperation and exchange in China
ICSSPE Executive Director Patrick Stolpmann is visiting China for a series of meetings with leading representatives of the country’s sport, sport science, higher education and Paralympic institutions. The visit, which began on 6 July, focused on introducing ICSSPE’s work, strengthening institutional relationships and exploring opportunities for future cooperation.
During the visit, ICSSPE’s Executive Director met with Yong Zhijun, Secretary General of the National Paralympic Committee of China and Deputy Director General of the Department of Sports of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation. Their exchange provided an opportunity to present ICSSPE’s international network and discuss the potential for collaboration in areas related to inclusive sport, physical activity and the Paralympic movement. The China Disabled Persons’ Federation plays an important coordinating role in the development of disability and Paralympic sport in China.
Further discussions took place with representatives of the General Administration of Sport of China, including Wang Xinzhai, Deputy Director of the Department of Science and Education, and Zhang Xinwei from its Education Division. The meeting addressed ICSSPE’s role in connecting organisations from sport science, physical education and sport policy, as well as its potential to support international exchanges, shared learning and joint initiatives.
Mr. Stolpmann also met with Professor Zhao Jiexiu of the China Institute of Sport Science. Zhao is Deputy Director of the Institute and serves as Vice-President for Asia of the International Council for Coaching Excellence. The discussion highlighted the value of closer exchanges between Chinese and international experts and institutions, particularly in sport science, research and coach development.
The last meeting was held at the Beijing Sport University, with President Zhang Jian and a professor from the China Institute of Sport and Health Science. The conversation explored the university’s extensive work in sport education, research and athlete development and considered how ICSSPE could provide a platform for international academic cooperation and knowledge exchange. Beijing Sport University is one of China’s leading specialised institutions for sport education and research.
The visit also included a campus tour, during which Mr. Stolpmann was introduced to the university’s sport rehabilitation facilities and kinesiology department. He additionally visited one of its major indoor sports halls, where the university volleyball team was training. An informal conversation with the athletes and staff covered university sport and the team’s recent silver-medal performance at the national championships.
Across all meetings, ICSSPE presented its mission, international membership and activities, emphasising the Council’s capacity to serve as a global platform for exchange, learning and collaborative projects. The discussions demonstrated a shared interest in strengthening connections between China and ICSSPE’s international network in fields including sport science, physical education, coaching, inclusion and institutional development.
The visit represents an important step in expanding ICSSPE’s engagement with Chinese sport organisations and academic institutions. ICSSPE looks forward to continuing these conversations and identifying concrete opportunities for future cooperation.
