Medal made for the sports meeting held by the College of Agriculture of Nantong University. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Huang Jia, a collector of sports medals in Nantong, Jiangsu province, recently showed off three medals he has cherished for many years to pay tribute to the advanced physical education concepts of Zhang Jian (1853-1926).

One of the three medals was made for the sports meeting held by the College of Agriculture of Nantong University, and the other two were made for the sports meeting held by the then Nantong Middle School in the 1930s.

Zhang was a renowned Nantong patriot, industrial magnate, educator, and philanthropist. "Speaking of mass sports and PE, we cannot forget Zhang," noted Huang.

Medals made for the sports meeting held by the then Nantong Middle School in the 1930s. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

In 1913, Zhang and his elder brother Zhang Cha donated to build the 1.33-hectare Nantong First Public Stadium, offering dedicated areas for table tennis, tennis, basketball, and a range of other sports events.

Huang also mentioned Zhang's opinion that sports are as vital as any other subject.

Zhang believed that individuals must have a strong body to shoulder heavy responsibilities. At the same time, PE classes are not only a direct means to improve students' physical fitness but also an important way to cultivate their perseverance, discipline, and courage.

In 30 years, Zhang established nearly 400 schools in Nantong, each listing sport as one of the three educational goals. He also proposed sports meetings and competitions and subsidized Nantong's sportsmen to participate in various contests.

Huang concluded that Zhang is esteemed as the founder of the sports undertakings in Nantong.