Theoretical Construction, Operational Mechanism and Practical Strategies of the “Village Series” Sports Event Ecosystem in ChinaAn Empirical Study of County R

Grounded in actor-network theory and employing fieldwork research methods, this study develops a theoretical framework of “problem presentation–interest assignment–recruitment and mobilization” through an empirical examination of County R, analyzing the formation and operational mechanisms of its sports event ecosystem while proposing practical strategies. The findings indicate that the “village series” sports event ecosystem constitutes a stable alliance of interests, led by core actors united around the shared objective of creating an “event ＋” model. By highlighting contradictions, restructuring networks, and stimulating engagement, it facilitates collaborative participation and negotiation among diverse actors. To sustain the ecosystem, County R has implemented operational mechanisms characterized by “four linkages”, “four models”, “four services”, evolving from simplified autonomy to hierarchical co-governance in organizational coordination, from ad hoc mobilization to a talent development pipeline, and from short-term control to proactive risk prevention. Accordingly, practical strategies are proposed, including establishing a platform for local cultural dissemination, enhancing multi-stakeholder collaboration, creating a cultural synergy and sharing mechanism, building a distinctive rural sports event brand, developing a dynamic event service framework, and fostering endogenous order within the events.