▲ Unveiling ceremony of the Center for Sports Development & Promotion at the Healthcare Building, Physical Education Center, CWNU (Source: CWNU Waagle)

Changwon National University (CWNU) has established a dedicated organization, the Center for Sports Development & Promotion, for the integrated management and support of sports activities. Launched with the dual goals of revitalizing university sports activities and contributing to the local community, the center oversees all sports-related activities within the university. It is opening new horizons for university sports through systematic sports administration, facility management, and support for athletic teams and clubs.

In the past, the management and operation of sports facilities were separated, hindering the efficient utilization of excellent facilities. However, the establishment of the Center for Sports Development & Promotion has enabled the creation of a unified management system, thereby increasing the efficiency of facility operation and facilitating the activation of sports by providing various sports programs.

The Center for Sports Development & Promotion aims to be a sports hub that grows with the local community, not only by supporting sports activities within the university, but also by opening sports facilities and various programs to local residents. The center strives to make it easy for everyone to enjoy sports and healthy leisure activities. The unveiling ceremony of the center, attended by President Park Min-won, faculty, staff, students, and local sports officials, heightened expectations for its bright future.

The major business of the center is to develop and operate a variety of programs to improve the health of university members and local residents, based on the establishment of mid- to long-term plans for the promotion of university sports. It also efficiently manages and operates all sports facilities on campus, including a gymnasium, playground, tennis court, and golf driving ranges, and strives to foster and support school athletic teams. Furthermore, the center actively contributes to vitalizing exchanges with the local community through sports, providing administrative support through cooperation with sports organizations such as the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee, and fostering sports professionals through the operation of sports management training courses.

Recently, the center has launched various sports programs such as wellness programs, lifestyle sports programs, and a golf academy, garnering significant attention. The wellness program, which offers 11 courses including futsal, badminton, tennis, yoga, and anaerobic dancing, has achieved an 85% registration rate as of September, with 129 participants out of a capacity of 152. The lifestyle sports program includes courses such as strength training and Pilates. Currently, these two programs are only available to university members. The golf academy, which offers customized golf lessons from beginner to intermediate levels, is also open to the local community. University members receive priority registration for some courses and discounted tuition fees.

Starting in November, the center plans to operate various sports classes for elementary school students and infants in the region, including courses in motor development, music jump rope, futsal, basketball, badminton, table tennis, golf, and archery. Recruitment is scheduled in October. A winter ski camp for families of university members is also planned for January and February. The wellness program, currently being piloted for university members, will be opened to the local community in the future.

Ultimately, the Center for Sports Development & Promotion is expected to present a leading model for “Good Workplace, Good University, and Local National University Open to the Local Community,” which CWNU aims for, and to faithfully fulfill its role as a sports hub connecting the university and the local community. In line with the construction of “Sports Arena Plex Changwon,” the center plans to develop and operate various sports programs in the long term, establish indoor screen golf facilities, and develop new content such as survival game fields to fulfill its responsibilities as a local national university that grows with the community.

The center is emerging as a hub for vitalizing local sports through promoting active lifestyles, fostering professional athletes, and expanding community engagement through sports. University members are encouraged to contribute to the development of the center not just through one-time participation, but with continued interest and involvement.

By Jung-hyun, editor-in-chief  jhgongju0903@gmail.com

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