Sport makes health fun
Former educator helps raise hockey-like game to greater heights, Hou Chenchen reports.
Lifelong pursuit
With a swift swing, the ball sailed through the air in a graceful arc toward the goal. The goalkeeper sprang into action, successfully deflecting the ball. As the final whistle blew, cheers erupted and players embraced in triumphant celebration.
This marked the inaugural trial game at the Shanghai International Studies University campus in 2008, orchestrated by Chen. Gathering about 200 female students, she aimed to ignite their interest in floorball through direct involvement. As the match concluded, the passion of the competition reverberated through the arena, moving spectators to tears, including Chen herself.
As a pioneer of floorball promotion in China, Chen embarked on a journey from scratch in 2002. Initiating partnerships with sports equipment suppliers, she also extended invitations to foreigners in Shanghai to join floorball games.
"I hosted barbecue dinners with beers for them after their matches on our campus. Their participation progressively enriched the floorball community here," she says.
Years of dedication began to bear fruit in 2008 when Chen secured a sponsorship deal with a Swedish company in Gothenburg, providing necessary gear for students in five universities in China.
