UF TRSM Professor is Keynote Speaker at Sport Science Conference in China

Nov. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- Gainesville, FL  -- Interim Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professor and Interim Graduate Coordinator in the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management   Dr. Dan Connaughton recently arrived home from a two-week trip (October 8-22) to The People’s Republic of China.  This was Dr. Connaughton’s sixth trip to China and on this particular business trip he visited both Beijing and Xi’an.  Dr. Connaughton was a keynote speaker at the 2012 International Conference of Sport Science and Physical Education held in Xi’an where he spoke on current issues and research in U.S. sport law.  Dr. Connaughton has expertise in the fields of sport management, physical education, recreation, and sport law making him a perfect candidate as keynote speaker for the conference.  After the three-day conference ended, he was able to view the Terracotta Army, the largest tourism attraction in Xi’an featuring over 8,000 life-size figurines depicting the armies of the first Emperor of China, many of which have are still being archaeologically uncovered today.  

In addition to speaking at the conference, Dr. Connaughton was invited to present at Minzu University of China, and Tsinghua University (“China’s Harvard”- one of the top two universities in China).  Dr. Connaughton gave lectures and seminars on sport science using research examples and case studies.  Dr. Connaughton has been working with Tsinghua University, for over 10 years including research collaborations, leading a UF study abroad program, hosting visiting faculty, and volunteering for the Beijing Olympics.  Looking back since his first visit, Dr. Connaughton is an awe of how China has changed over the years, especially in Beijing during its Post-Olympic era and the strides they have made in improving their green initiatives.   Dr. Connaughton appreciates China’s extensive history, its grand culture, and has made many close friends in the country over the years.  

Besides having the opportunity to meet several international scholars and students, Dr. Connaughton also met Dr. Zhang, the Director of the University of Florida’s Beijing Center for International Studies.  Zhang is responsible for fostering relationships among China and the University of Florida and specifically works with study abroad, collaborative research, faculty exchanges, and admission recruitment.

The Department of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Management is committed to national and international excellence in the generation, dissemination, and communication of knowledge in tourism, recreation and sport management.  The Department is also dedicated to excellence in the preparation and training of future industry and academic professionals, and providing relevant outreach to stakeholders.

                                                                      #     #    #

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Dr. Michael Sagas (Department Chair) at msagas@ufl.edu (352.294.1640) or Stephanie Thorn (Marketing and Public Relations) at stephaniethorn1@hhp.ufl.edu (352.392.3992).