First International Conference of the World Physical Education Alliance kicks off in Shanghai

Physical education experts, researchers and teachers from over 10 countries gathered in Shanghai on Nov 1 for the first International Conference of the World Physical Education Alliance at East China Normal University.

The WPEA, established in April by the Shanghai-based university, aims to build a platform for cooperation and dialogue among international peers in physical education and promote the prosperity and development of physical education around the world. Over the past six months, it has formed a network of alliance members spanning five continents and 25 countries and regions.

This conference marked the alliance's inaugural global offline event and formal establishment as an organization.

"The WPEA strives to become a global advocate for physical education, expanding the scope of cooperation and attracting more experts, scholars and educators from around the world to work together for the advancement of physical education," said Ji Liu, president of the WPEA and dean of the College of Physical Education and Health of ECNU, at the conference.

"Through the diversification of physical education and integration of resources, the WPEA facilitates exchanges, discussions, research and collaboration in the field of physical education."

An initiative called "Keep Daily Life" was launched during the conference. The initiative calls upon countries and regions around the world to jointly promote the high-quality development of physical education and enable children and adolescents to "exercise every day, live a happy life forever". In support of advocating physical activities as an essential component of daily life, the initiative is dedicated to building an intelligent service platform that supports children's physical education and overall well-being.

"Actions should be taken to help children and adolescents from all over the world have fun, enhance physique, shape personalities and cultivate willpower through physical education," said Wang Xiaozan, secretary general of the WPEA and professor of the College of Physical Education and Health of ECNU.

Lin Jinyi contributed to this story.