Part of the rationale behind the electives is to expose students to activities they can participate in even when they are middle-age or older and are more inclined to a sedentary lifestyle, said Li Weiming, a professor of physical education at Shanghai Teachers' University who is designing the expanded program.

But there will also be "hip" activities - such as rock climbing and skateboarding - that are popular with today's youngsters, Li said.

The new program, which also offers billiards, should not be a major financial burden on parents, Li said.

For example, added Xu Yanpin, a curriculum researcher with the Shanghai Education Commission, the average cost of a game of bowling is 5 yuan (60 U.S. cents). But schools may be able to arrange a discount for their students at local bowling alleys, Xu said.

"When private or public facilities are needed, students will go as a class. Otherwise, admission charges can be a big burden," Xu added.

However, some parents said they are concerned about the cost implications of the new program.

One, Yang Zhongfang, whose 10th-grade daughter attends No. 2 High School that'll be in the pilot program, added: "I don't like the idea very much. These sports appear to be suitable only for aristocrats."

But, countered Li Xin, 16, a 10th grader at Guang Ming High School, "To learn basic bowling and golf skills is exciting. It is better to learn from an instructor than by ourselves."

The Experimental Primary School in Changning District, another of the schools that will be participating in the pilot project, has arranged with officials of Zhongshan Park to use the park for some physical education classes.

"It's good to use such a place for exercises. It's an easy and natural environment, as suggested by the elective program," said Wang Dongxia, the school's principal.

Li said the core of city schools' physical education program will continue to be athletic events - such as the 50- and 100-meter dashes, the 800- and 1,000-meter runs, and shotputting - and gymnastics.

Such events are key to developing students' strength, speed and flexibility, Li said.

"The new electives will mean an increase in the number of physical education classes," Li said.

Now, they are held twice a week, each 40 to 45 minutes long. In September, there will be three, he said.

Li said he envisions the electives will be adopted by all primary and secondary schools by 2003.

Students at the 50 schools in the pilot program will be asked to critique the electives they are offered, according to Li.

(Eastday.com 05/16/2001)