On the afternoon of March 8, our college was honored to invite Professor Jianhui Zhang, postdoctoral fellow of the University of Houston, Vice president of the World Sports Management Association (WASM) and Professor of the University of Georgia, to give a lecture in Hall 101 of the School of Sports. The lecture was presided over by Dean Shi Shusheng and attended by faculty and graduate students.

With the theme of "Sports promote urban development and revitalization", this lecture discussed the development of the sports industry, the reasons for the enduring popularity of the sports industry, urban development and revitalization, and the significance of sports events from four dimensions. At the beginning of the lecture, Professor Zhang briefly introduced the history of sports industry and pointed out that sports, as a diversified and comprehensive industry, has shown an explosive growth trend in the world.

Then, Professor Zhang Jianhui further analyzed the core reasons for the enduring popularity of the sports industry, and explained the combination of academic viewpoints and social sports phenomena, including people's increasing pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, the social influence of sports events, and the integration and innovation of sports and new media. He pointed out that with social progress and technological development, the sports industry is bound to have unlimited potential in providing diverse experiences and services.

Talking about urban development and revitalization, Professor Zhang elaborated on the positive role of sports activities in promoting urban economic growth, improving residents' quality of life, and strengthening the city's brand and international image. Citing successful sporting events, he shows how sport can be an integral driver of urban development. During the lecture, Professor Zhang's in-depth insights and enthusiastic explanations deeply attracted the audience, and the on-site interaction was frequent and the atmosphere was active.

Finally, Professor Zhang focused on the profound significance of sports events for urban revitalization, emphasizing that sports events can promote urban infrastructure development, stimulate community vitality, attract domestic and foreign tourists, and enhance citizens' sense of belonging and pride. He likened sports events to a bridge connecting urban development and residents' well-being, and studying the sports industry will provide references for urban construction to better serve the people's better life, which triggered the resonance of teachers and students present.

Dean Shi Shusheng made a summary of the academic lecture. He believed that Professor Zhang's speech was rich in content and inspiring, and had important guiding significance for the development of sports industry and the practical research on sports resources. Through this exchange, we are more convinced of the unlimited possibilities of sports power in promoting urban development and revitalization!