On the occasion of the 15th National Games, the list of national advanced units and individuals in mass sports for 2021-2024 was announced. Zhangjiagang City in Jiangsu Province secured five honors: the Zhangjiagang Bureau of Culture, Sports, Radio, and Television; Zhangjiagang Senior Sports University; and Yongzhuo Holding Co., Ltd. were recognized as national advanced units in mass sports for 2021-2024, while Zhou Ying and Liu Xinshi received the title of national advanced individuals in mass sports. Additionally, shooter Sheng Lihao was named an advanced individual in the national sports system for the same period.
In recent years, Zhangjiagang has adhered to a people-centered development philosophy, positioning sports as a catalyst for urban vibrancy. The city has coordinated efforts to promote mass sports, competitive sports, youth sports, and the sports industry, fostering widespread participation across all age groups.
**Strengthening Organizational Networks** Zhangjiagang has integrated fitness initiatives into its socioeconomic development plans, issuing policies like the "Implementation Plan for Building a Higher-Level Public Fitness Service System." The city has established a comprehensive organizational network, including one municipal sports federation, 45 municipal sports associations, and 115 grassroots sports organizations. Each district and town has a cultural and sports center, ensuring full coverage and participation.
**Expanding Infrastructure** The city has advanced its "5-minute urban and 10-minute town fitness circle" initiative, connecting fitness trails citywide. To date, Zhangjiagang has built 22 large sports venues, 20 sports parks, 1,050 fitness stations, and 664 fitness trails spanning 1,071 kilometers, with per capita sports area reaching 5.72 square meters. Schools have opened their facilities to the public through smart management systems, improving resource utilization.
**Enriching Events and Engagement** Zhangjiagang has cultivated a dynamic sports event system, hosting over 1,500 annual activities with 600,000 participants. Regular exercisers account for 58.6% of the population, with organized sports participation at one-sixth—ranking among the top counties nationally. Signature events like "3+2" and "Vibrant Seasons" have popularized sports tourism, while platforms like the Yangtze River Culture Festival Sports Zone expand integration opportunities.
**Youth and Elite Sports Development** The city has strengthened youth sports through programs like Jiangsu’s "5621 Plan," establishing specialized schools for shooting, weightlifting, soccer, and tennis. Annual youth events exceed 2,000, attracting 200,000 participants. Initiatives such as the Sheng Lihao Shooting Range and the Sheng Lihao Public Sports Development Fund have boosted engagement. Zhangjiagang has sent 171 athletes to national and provincial teams, earning 137 gold, 83 silver, and 74 bronze medals in higher-level competitions.
**Innovative Senior Sports Programs** As China’s first county-level senior sports university, Zhangjiagang Senior Sports University offers 60+ courses, training 50,000 participants since 2020. It combines teaching, events, and services, setting a national benchmark. The city has also renovated venues and organized 100+ annual senior sports events, encouraging active aging.
**Corporate and Social Involvement** Companies like Yongzhuo Holding Co., Ltd. have invested nearly 100 million yuan in sports facilities, serving 420,000 people annually. Through foundations like the Sheng Lihao Fund, social capital supports sports philanthropy, bridging public welfare and industry growth.
From grassroots fitness to competitive excellence and economic impact, Zhangjiagang exemplifies a holistic approach to sports development, showcasing the potential of county-level initiatives in advancing mass sports.