Core Points - The 2025 Cross-Strait and Hong Kong-Macau University Softball Cultural Exchange Event took place in Pingtan, Fujian, showcasing the growing popularity of softball among youth in these regions [1][4][10] - The event featured nearly 200 students from 10 teams, emphasizing teamwork and friendship through sports [1][4] - The China Softball Association is focusing on promoting slow-pitch softball in universities, with nearly 380 teams currently registered, indicating significant growth potential [5][8][10] Group 1: Event Overview - The event was held from October 24 to 27, 2025, in Pingtan, the closest point on the mainland to Taiwan [1] - It included a national slow-pitch softball championship with around 30 teams participating, highlighting the expansion of slow-pitch softball in Chinese universities [4][10] - The event served as a platform for cultural exchange and friendship among students from different regions [1][4] Group 2: Development of Softball in China - The China Softball Association has been promoting slow-pitch softball in universities since 2009, with a focus on making the sport more accessible [5][6] - The association has established a three-tier coaching management system and an amateur athlete certification system to encourage participation [6][9] - As of now, over 5,000 teams have emerged in primary and secondary schools, while university teams are expected to grow from 380 to over 500 or even 1,000 in the future [8][10] Group 3: Impact on Youth - Participation in softball helps students develop resilience and teamwork skills, which positively impacts their academic performance [9][10] - The sport is seen as a means to foster deeper connections and cultural exchanges between youth from the mainland and Taiwan [11][39] - The growing interest in softball is contributing to the overall development of sports culture in China, with increasing facilities and participation rates [10][15] Group 4: Pingtan's Role in Sports Tourism - Pingtan is leveraging sports to enhance its tourism appeal, aiming to become a vibrant destination for international sports events [14][15] - The region has hosted over 250 major sports events in the past five years, contributing to its recognition as a top sports tourism destination in China [15][18] - Future plans include elevating the quality of events and expanding the sports tourism industry, focusing on outdoor and marine sports [18][19]