BEIJING, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The 100-day countdown to the start of the 26th World University Games was marked Wednesday with the Games torch relay kicking off at Beijing University, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in China.
Some 13,000 student athletes from more than 180 countries and regions are expected to take part in the August 12-23 event in Shenzhen, a southern Chinese city neighboring Hong Kong.
But the World University Games, also known as 'Universiade', are not solely intended for the select student athletes. The ultimate goal is to engage young people around the world in sports, active lifestyles and the Olympic values.
As the International University Sports Federation (FISU) puts it, Universiade is a combination of the words "University" and "Olympiad". Thus, the ideas and principles of the modern Olympic Movement have been upheld in the evolution of the Universiade, which was launched in 1959.
Defined in the 1800s by its founder, Pierre de Coubertin, the purpose of the modern Olympics is to promote the physical, psychological, and peaceful cultural improvement of mankind through sport. More effectively than any other vehicle, sport brings the spirit of better understanding between each other and of friendship to the masses in line with the principles of Olympism. Only a few athletes can experience the thrill of participating in the Olympics. However, everyone can enjoy and be inspired by viewing Olympic competition.
But today, we face a new challenge: the past decade has witnessed a downward youth participation in sporting activities.
According to the World Health Organization, less than one-third of young people are active enough to benefit their health. It is predicted, therefore, that the rate of incidence for diabetes and other illnesses related to sedentary lifestyles will increase and thus put further strain on the resources of the health system. Yet, in spite of physical education curricula in many countries, only one-third of schools have formal physical education.
There is nothing strange about this crisis. In a fast paced, digital age, sports are inevitably bound to lose their appeal to the youth. IOC president Jacques Rogge said that, "If we don't adapt to the changes of our youth, we are lost. We are a movement of young people." Thus, Rogge proposed a Youth Olympic Games in 2001. The first ever edition of the Youth Olympic Games, held in August 2010 in Singapore, turned out to be a huge success as a number of exciting new sporting events such as 3-on-3 basketball, head-to-head canoe and kayak catered to the interest of young people.
Physical educators and sport enthusiasts often proclaim that "sport builds character." There is evidence, however, that the competitive achievement model that is followed in many organized sporting activities for children and youth may not contribute to the development of positive personal behaviors. Fair play has to be taught.
To help the youth foster positive personal behaviors, the organizers of the inaugural Youth Olympics designed an educational program for participants which included 50 activities based on the themes of Olympism, skills development, well-being and healthy lifestyle, social responsibility and expression.
For the FISU, reforms need to be carried out within the Universiade as well, to keep pace with the times. The FISU must be committed to educating and encouraging the youth through sport.
Just as the core theme for the Shenzhen Universiade 2011 says it, 'Start here, Make a difference', let the Universiade make a difference here and now, and let the youth make a difference here and now.
