Nike and China’s Ministry of Education hosted the first national Active Schools Innovation Award presentation at Beijing’s iconic Water Cube on July 23.
The ceremony celebrated 100 teachers (of the more than 1,000 who applied) who are most effectively and creatively transforming the culture of sport and physical activity in schools across China.
One teacher recognized at the ceremony was Lv Shao Wu, who brought football to students in the rural, mountainous area of Long Xi County in the southeast of Gan Su Province, out of his own passion. Lv was a timid child who came from a poor family, but gained confidence and joy through football. After suffering a knee injury, he realized he could still participate in his beloved sport by coaching kids. Lv convinced the school’s principal to allow him to start a football team, and rallied a group of teachers to help him turn a deserted field behind the school into a pitch. Then, he purchased training and game equipment out of his own pocket, and used online videos to learn how to be a coach. Lv believes football has helped motivate some of his students to study more and to do better in school and in life.
To celebrate and honor Lv’s passion and commitment for football in China, Cristiano Ronaldo surprised Lv by presenting his award and a pair of limited-edition CR7 Mercurial Campeões boots to him. Additionally, 49 pairs of these boots are being auctioned in partnership with Alibaba. Nike will match the proceeds, and the combined funds will be donated between to the China Education and Development Foundation, Nike’s Active Schools program and to build a new soccer pitch at Lv’s HeKou Primary School.
“I’m thrilled to be supporting PE teachers who are inspiring young athletes in China,” says Ronaldo. “The work they do is very important.”
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