2019 China Ice and Snow Talent Development Forum Held: Addressing the Urgent Need to Fill the Ice and Snow Talent Gap

      On October 19, 2019, Beijing — The Parallel Forum of the 4th International Winter Sports (Beijing) Expo: China Ice and Snow Talent Development Forum was held at the China National Convention Center in Beijing. With the preparation for the 2022 Winter Olympics driving the upgrade of ice and snow leisure consumption, the development of talent cultivation and the education system for the ice and snow industry has become a key focus issue and a critical link in the rapid growth of global winter sports and the fast-rising ice and snow industry. Leaders from the National Sports Center, the International Ski Federation, Harbin Sport University, Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, and Kesäkallio Sports Institute gathered to discuss the development path for cultivating “ice and snow talent.”

      Sarah Lewis, Secretary-General of the International Ski Federation and a member of the Coordination Commission for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, gave the first speech at the forum. She stated that China is achieving the grand goal of “getting 300 million people on the snow and ice,” and needs to continuously collaborate with experienced international coaches, bring in expert resources, and train elite athletes in order to genuinely prepare for the 2022 Winter Olympics. In addition, the International Ski Federation is working with authoritative departments in China and top international professional athlete teams to launch educational and academic collaborations under the joint project of “Bringing Ice and Snow Sports to China.”

      Higher education institutions bear an important responsibility in training winter sports talent and play a crucial role in the development of the industry. Two major Chinese sports universities shared their perspectives on ice and snow talent development. Mr. Zhu Zhiqiang, President of Harbin Sport University, exchanged views with forum participants on the topic of “How to Build a Trend for Reserving Ice and Snow Talent.” He introduced the current reality of China’s ice and snow sports talent reserve cultivation, reference models for ice and snow education, the composition and trends of the ice and snow education system, as well as key points in ice and snow talent development. Mr. Zhong Bingshu, President of Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, discussed how to better integrate sports and education. He believes that the construction of ice and snow sports teaching staff should be accelerated, and localities should be encouraged to include sports bases and training camps in youth study programs to promote the development of youth ice and snow education.

      Finland has a more mature ice and snow education system compared to China, with prominent advantages in winter sports talent and rich educational experience. Experts and scholars from Finland shared insights on Finland’s ice and snow talent development system and offered suggestions for China’s progress. Harri Hollo discussed Finland’s winter sports training system. He hopes to enhance the design and presentation of ice and snow courses in schools, develop ice and snow teaching staff, and truly bring ice and snow sports into campuses. Bjørg Sissel Kvannli, Principal of Norway’s Meråker High School, believes Finland has unique ice and snow sports facilities and comprehensive infrastructure, making international cooperation in ice and snow education very important. She hopes to collaborate with China on ice and snow education and training programs to support Beijing’s preparation for the Winter Olympics. Li Finland, a project researcher at the University of Jyväskylä in Finland, believes long-term development plans should be tailored for athletes to help them grow healthily and sustainably. Petri Lounaskorpi, CEO of Finland’s Mobie Company, believes ice and snow talent cultivation should start with children. In addition to teaching children skills in winter sports, they should also be taught to understand the Olympic spirit and values, allowing them to truly enjoy winter sports. Tor-Håvard Kolbu, CEO of Norway’s Beito Aktiv Company, suggests introducing Finland’s ISA ski system to China to help Chinese athletes train and develop more effectively.

      The advanced experience of Finland in ice and snow talent development greatly inspired the Chinese guests. Chinese entrepreneurs shared their experiences based on the current state of the market and the ice and snow talent cultivation system. Fan Jun, Chairman of Beijing Century Star Skating Club Co., Ltd., believes that ice and snow sports are not yet widespread in China. China needs to establish a solid foundation of entry-level coaches to get more people involved, grow the winter sports sector, and bring ice and snow sports into schools. Sun Yongqing, Vice President of the Ice and Snow Alliance and Director of the Youth Training Committee, believes China should promote awareness of ice and snow sports, increase children's interest, and let them experience the joy of these activities. If children fall in love with ice and snow sports, all efforts will be worthwhile.

      The China Ice and Snow Talent Development Forum has broadened the vision for China’s ice and snow education and guided its development direction. China will systematically establish specialized ice and snow courses, promote ice and snow knowledge in primary and secondary schools, train a group of professional coaches and management personnel at all levels for winter sports, strengthen international exchanges and cooperation, and advance the cultivation, reserve, and development of China’s ice and snow talent pool.