As students approach the end of their first academic year, at UWC Changshu China, competing sailing on the lake for the first time offers not only an exhilarating experience but a possible hobby for life.
We have to keep teenagers active and busy,” admitted Robert Clarence, principal of UWC Changshu, China.
Across the country, UWC is not alone.
Now, over 100 local schools have provided sailing courses with eight city and district-level sailing teams established, according to sports authorities in Qingdao.
In 2016, 107 primary and secondary schools and universities in Qingdao were recognized as “specialist sailing schools,” including 32 as model schools.
Since 2010, Qingdao International Optimist Training Camp & Regatta has been held every August to promote the sport further.
Many domestic sailing and yacht clubs also offer a range of programs dedicated to raise a new generation of sailing athletes for professional teams at all levels and, of course, to introduce the sport to more youngsters.
“Many domestic and international schools can recruit retired professionals to coach at school, who also make contributions at sailing clubs,” said Ma.
“This greatly benefits the students as they are able to experience and access professional sailing courses in clubs.” Furthermore, according to the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) issued by the General Administration of Sports last year, all resources should be integrated to build a network of sports and activities for the youth accessible at school and home as well as in local communities, organizing a collection of youth sports competitions and adding 300 new model sports clubs at national-level, making the number totaling 6,000 nationwide by 2020.
It’d be great if sailing could be promoted as an extra-curriculum sport with supportive funds by the local government just as in cities like Qingdao.”