Additional 16 Schools Open Sports Venues

By Zhang Wencheng

“I live nearby, 5-munite’s walk from here. Since the school opens sports venue, I don't have to work out on the road with vehicle fumes all over.” At 6 a.m., Cai Lifen and her good friends in the community come in groups to Duoluntongxin Primary School. Being the first to use the school’s plastic track, they feel relaxed at walking, jogging and stretching.

Speaking of exercise, they break into a chatterbox. Getting older, they are increasingly aware of the importance of physical exercise, but most of them choose to walk along roads or in the park as there are few spacious exercise places in crowded city streets as well as in residential areas. Now, school sports venue allows more residents to exercise near their houses. Moreover, they are accessible to school playground not only during the day but also at night.

“The venue has been in a smooth operation since its opening, which attributes to concerted efforts by school and community. Besides, residents work out in a civilized way.” Said Mao Weiping, principal of Duolun Tongxin Primary School.

In recent years, Hongkou District Education Bureau, Hongkou District Sports Bureau along with Hongkou Administration Office have continuously promoted fine management work. In 2015, “School Resources Shared by Community” initiated its pilot in Hongkou where additional 16 school sports venues are open now to community residents in a bid to meet their demands in physical exercise.

At present, 40 primary and secondary schools open their sports sites to citizens. The opening hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in working days. At weekends, they open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Schools have installed professional lighting equipment to ensure safety at night. In addition, sports instructors are arranged in each school so as to offer scientific fitness instructions to residents and cooperate with schools in opening hours.

It is learned that in the days to come, Hongkou will open more qualified schools’ sports venues to residents each year, gradually achieving the aim that all the qualified in the district are available to citizens freely during the 13th "Five-year Plan".