A total of 50 projects nationwide were added to the 2024 national fitness voluntary sports service project library, run by the General Administration of Sport of China, on Friday.

These projects were recognized for their important contributions to promoting national fitness in China.

Since 2021, the GASC has been selecting high-quality voluntary sports services for inclusion in the project library with the goal of encouraging greater participation. Between 2021 and 2023, a total of 293 projects were incorporated into the library.

This year's additions span 31 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions across the Chinese mainland, with a record-breaking 387 projects being submitted for consideration.

These projects cover a wide range of categories, including rural vitalization, youth activities, elderly and childcare support, assistance for people with disabilities, sports and health integration, grassroots development and community services, and smart services.

One of the selected projects is the Guiyang sports bureau's "Tennis for the Community" volunteer activity, where professional tennis coaches engage with local communities to share tennis knowledge and promote the sport. This initiative has inspired nearly ten thousand residents in Guiyang, Guizhou province, to try tennis, fostering a strong fitness culture.

"Since retirement, I often go for walks and exercise in the park. I would definitely be willing to participate in an opportunity to learn tennis," said an elderly participant at one of the initiative's activities held on Oct 17 in Guiyang's Nanming district.

Another notable project is the Chinese Baseball Association's effort to bring elite, national-level baseball players to conduct public welfare classes, aiming to promote the sport among young people, particularly students in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

Additionally, a project submitted by the China Equestrian Association, which seeks to aid in the rehabilitation of children with special needs, has also been added to the project library.

Equestrian rehabilitation leverages the rhythmic movement of horseback riding to enhance balance and sensory perception, promote brain development and alleviate mental stress. This intervention has unique therapeutic effects, especially for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy and polio.

The projects have been consolidated and shared on platforms such as the "National Fitness" WeChat account, engaging with a wider audience of national fitness volunteer service workers.

xingwen@chinadaily.com.cn