Physical education and recreational sports have a very important role to play in the long term, economic welfare and life success of youth. Quality physical education helps children develop the patterns and discipline that lay the foundation for healthy adult lifestyle; and trained, qualified coaches are essential to this process.
CCSTPP is a 12-month project (9/1/08-8/31/09) whose goal is to orient and train Chinese basketball, track, and other coaches in how to assist youth at the middle, high school, and university levels through development and implementation of sports training methodologies and outreach programs. The project will also show how Americans value and support equality and diversity and promote citizen participation through community service and volunteerism. CCSTPP will train PE teachers and coaches at the middle, high school, and university levels in how to develop and implement high quality sports training
Sports consultants and trainers will assist these Chinese coach participants in the U.S., in China, and by Internet to attain technical proficiency in helping non-elite young athletes improve their skills through school and community recreational and sports activities; and in helping them discover how success in athletics can translate into life skills for achieving in classroom and career. Through their partner schools and universities, participants are sharing their experience and learning with many coach colleagues and physical education professionals and thousands of their students. The UALR Athletic Department, basketball, track, and volleyball coaches and other PE professionals are key project partners and will provide training to participants through programs in the U.S. and China.
Other community, state, and federal organizations and institutions will also contribute to the training program. The Chinese coach participants will have a 2-week training program in Arkansas and D.C. in November/December 2008, and the U.S. coach consultants are scheduled to make a 2-week training trip to Chengdu and Sichuan in spring 2008. The Chengdu Sports University is the project’s China Coordinator. All partners seek to learn from each other, increase ties between institutions and organizations, and improve U.S.-China relations.
CCSTPP is funded by the U.S. Department of State.