The Olympic Qualifier Series (OQS) which closed on May 19 in Shanghai, has triggered the younger generation’s passion for the four fast-rising street-style sports, besides providing berths at this year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
The four-day sporting gala featured professional competitions of BMX cycling, skateboarding, sport climbing, and breaking as well as an urban festival.
The festival included a “sports initiation” section aimed at cultivating new fans —particularly, children and youth — in these sports through experiential activities and relevant coaching.
“The International Olympic Committee has placed the top events of these four emerging sports in Shanghai, hoping to attract more young people to participate while providing more cultural heritage for these four sports,” said Gu Weifeng, the person in charge of the sports initiation section.
Zhang Yanan and her 7-year-old son, a skateboarding enthusiast, were among the families who traveled from miles away to experience the special vibe of the OQS.
“We just participated in a skateboarding practice activity and made an appointment for (a) graffiti-drawing event. The activities here are very diversified,” said Zhang, who traveled from Shandong province with four other families.
Zhang’s son, nicknamed Wangcai, started skateboarding at age 5 as he was attracted by the global image of the sport and the street culture behind it.
“I think exposure to more cultural content along with sports can have a positive impact on a children’s overall development and aesthetic appreciation,” Zhang said. “Moreover, skateboarding can gather the enthusiasts to play together, which is also a great social climate for children.
“The OQS is very international, and there are many top athletes from different countries participating. It is a very rare and precious experience for children,” Zhang said.
The initiation area set up activities for enthusiasts of different levels.
“We have gathered high-quality coaches in Shanghai to help the inexperienced youth group participating in these four sports,” said Gu.
“We also have a graffiti area for young participants to draw their creative patterns on the helmets of BMX, skateboard decks, the handholds of sport climbing, and the breaking T-shirt,” Gu added.
He added that champion athletes were invited to have on-site exchanges and interactions with teenagers and children.
“These linkages can truly promote these four emerging sports,” he said. “We hope that more young people will participate in these sports in Shanghai and across the country.”
Luo Bin and Li Junfeng contributed to this story.
