Changsha, China – November 26, 2024

The 2024 International Academic Conference on School Physical Education and Health Promotion, co-hosted by Hunan Normal university and the University of Lancashire, on November 25 with the official launch of the “International joint Research and Knowledge Exchange Centre for University Physical Education and Sports Training Education” The ceremony was held in the lecture hall of the university library, bringing together leading scholars, educators, and practitioners from around the world.

Distinguished guests included Graham Baldwin (President of University of Lancashire), and Liu Zhonghua (President of Hunan Normal university and Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering). The opening ceremony was presided over by Vice President Tang Xianqing.

University of Lancashire President Graham Baldwin expressed gratitude for the thoughtful organization of the event and underlined the shared values underpinning the two universities’ partnership. He was confident that the establishment of the new center will enhance knowledge exchange, foster innovative research, and ultimately benefit young people worldwide.

President Liu Zhonghua, in his welcome address, highlighted the university’s progress in sports discipline development, talent cultivation, and competitive achievements. He emphasized the vital role of sports in advancing public health, national rejuvenation, and socio-economic development, stressing the need for stronger international collaboration to nurture sports talent and contribute to global health.

The forum featured keynote presentations from 18 leading experts and scholars representing 10 countries. Highlights included insights from Prof. Dr. Branislav Antala (FIEPS, Slovakia) on the role of international organizations in advancing PE, and Prof. Dr. Nigel Green (Liverpool John Moores University,UK) and Prof. Dr. Richard Bailey (UCSI University, Malaysia) emphasizing physical literacy and well-being. Prof. Dr. Hong Ping (Beijing Sport University) discussed sports technology innovation. Prof. Dr. Zhang Xin’an (Shenyang Sport University) introduced a sports-medical integration model. Prof. Dr. Zhang Ruilin (Beijing Normal University) examined China’s sports industry development, and

Prof. Dr. Cai Xiangyang (Fujian Normal University) shared insights on football talent development. Prof. Dr. Ma Xindong (Tsinghua University) explored exercise and cognitive function, and Prof. Dr. Kasper Salin (University of Jyväskylä, Finland) analyzed European PE curriculum trends. Prof. Dr. Efstathios Christodoulides (UCLan Cyprus) presented on digital tools in PE research, and Prof. Dr. Johannes Carl (Deakin University, Australia) discussed teaching models centered on physical literacy. The event fostered international research collaboration, policy dialogues, and innovative approaches to PE, reinforcing CUPEST’s role as a global leader in sports education and research.

Following the ceremony, Presidents Liu Zhonghua and Graham Baldwin held a cordial exchange and presented souvenirs, marking a new chapter of cooperation and promoting the development of school physical education and health worldwide.