3rd Chinese-German Symposium

From 1-3 November, 2011, a Symposium entitled Current Perspectives in Modern Sport Sciences and Sport Policies in China and Germany: Sport Management, Sport Psychology and Sport Legacies was held in Hangzhou, China.

This 3rd Chinese-German Symposium was co-hosted by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Germany, and the General Administration of Sport of China, in co-operation with ICSSPE, the Federal Institute of Sport Science, Germany, and the Zhejiang Provincial Administration of Sport, China.

Following a declaration of intent which was adopted by the two ministries in 2008, this event gave more than 80 politicians, ministerial administrators researchers and students from both countries the opportunity for mutual learning and exchange of information about the development of sport in Germany and China.

Academic experts presented their research on: the development of sport strategies and sport consumer behaviour; the development and maintenance of sport facilities constructed for large events; and the increasing role of psychology in sport, in general, as well as for the development of competitive athletes. This research was seen as a basis for the efficient planning of future activities, and for the maintenance and extension of good relationships between Chinese and German sport science institutions.

Particular conclusions of the event included that professional sport in China is facing new opportunities and prospects such as the facts that more local governments have realised the role which professional sports play in the development of cities; more private enterprises are participating in professional leagues; and loyalty to local teams keeps rising in the process of globalisation. Moreover, it was acknowledged that psychological strength is a major component in coping with the pressure of success and failure in elite sport. Hence, the German system of sport psychology in elite sport puts its focus on prevention and psychological education, with the three major goals: (1) psychological performance enhancement; (2) development of personality; and (3) stabilising psychological health. In China, the main psychological supports for elite athletes include: (1) psychological monitoring; (2) psychological training; (3) psychological consulting; and (4) psychological recovering.

Further co-operation and co-research between China and Germany will continue to promote the development of sport in both countries.

Proceedings of the symposium will be available at the beginning of next year. Please keep watching the ICSSPE website for more information.