Li Ning and Yao Ming Champion Sports as Catalyst for Youth Leadership at Joe Tsai Symposium

In Zhejiang's Nanxun district, the 2024 Sports as Education Symposium and the fifth annual Joe Tsai Education through Sports Principals Grand Ceremony drew considerable attention on December 14. Key figures in the sports world, such as Li Ning, founder and chairman of the Li Ning brand, and Yao Ming, initiator of the Yao Foundation, participated in a thought-provoking panel. They delved into how sports contribute to the development of leadership skills among youth and emphasized the critical role sports play in promoting the holistic growth of young people. Li Ning shared his experiences in nurturing the next generation of sports professionals, underscoring his company's longstanding commitment to youth sports development in China.

Launched in July 2019 by the Joe Tsai Foundation, the Education through Sports Principals Program aims to identify and empower school principals who embody the spirit of sportsmanship. By promoting practical achievements in sports education, it seeks to foster societal support and innovation in this field, offering students unique opportunities for personal growth. The symposium attracted numerous stakeholders from education, sports, and corporate sectors, underscoring the broad interest in sports as a catalyst for educational innovation.

Both Li Ning and Yao Ming, drawing from their extensive backgrounds as professional athletes, highlighted the importance of integrating sports into youth education. Li Ning articulated the belief that sports represent one of the most effective educational tools, beyond merely teaching physical skills. According to Li, sports cultivate essential life skills such as self-growth, learning adaptation, and creativity, making it indispensable for youth development.

Educational initiatives are increasingly recognizing the need for comprehensive involvement from families and society, alongside schools, in youth development. Recent directives from various government bodies advocate for a collaborative approach to youth education, encouraging societal support in facilitating sporting activities for students. Li Ning posited that sports should be integral to campus culture, advocating for a supportive environment where families, schools, and communities collaborate to create robust systems and opportunities for youth to engage in sports, thus fostering a healthier developmental environment.

As a pioneering sports brand, Li Ning incorporates athletic spirit into every aspect of its business, adhering to its mission of fostering China's sporting development. Over the years, the brand has actively supported school sports programs by integrating sports into education and enhancing sports facilities across multiple disciplines including basketball, table tennis, and football. Through systematic investments in campus sports and events, along with providing coaching resources and infrastructure, Li Ning has played a significant role in nurturing future sports talent.

The Li Ning brand has notably supported youth basketball, contributing to national and regional leagues and launching specialized academies like the Li Ning Basketball Academy. Additionally, in sports like table tennis and badminton, the brand offers comprehensive support from junior to professional levels, ensuring young athletes have the necessary resources for development. Li Ning's commitment extends to football, where the brand is active in initiatives like the national youth football winter camps, promoting the cultural and athletic aspects of the sport.

As societal norms evolve, maintaining commitment to youth sports education remains imperative. Li Ning's dedication to the sports sector reflects a persistent belief in the empowering potential of sports. The brand continues to support youth sports initiatives under its guiding ethos, inspiring young athletes to achieve their highest potential with the motto "Everything is Possible!"