Time for sports to lead social change

Heavy smog did not stop thousands of people from taking part in the Beijing Marathon on Oct 19, and although the participants and fans ignored the alleged health threat, the event has sparked a public debate.

With an ever-rising health awareness among the public in recent years, the number of runners on the streets in China has been increasing steadily, with more than 20 Chinese cities holding annual marathons. Correspondingly, the number of cyclists too is on the increase, with the sales of high-grade and semi-specialized bikes rising on a daily basis. In fact, outdoor and adventure activities such as walking, skiing, mountaineering, and even rock-climbing and paragliding have become part of some Chinese people's daily life.

Keeping in mind this welcome increase in people's health consciousness, the State Council, or the Cabinet, issued a guideline on Oct 20 aimed at expediting the development of the sports industry and boosting the sale of sports products. Some experts have already termed the guideline as a national strategy for mass fitness movement.