DAPHNE, Ala. — Distinguished professor Dr. Peter Chen will speak at the United States Sports Academy at 1:15 p.m. Friday about globalization and transformation.

Chen’s presentation at the academy is part of a week-long visit to the area from Oct. 8-14 for a series of presentations.

Chen’s message of globalization says that, as citizens of the world, it is important that we review and modify our ways of thinking regularly.

“Globalization refers to the sharing of knowledge, wisdom, and services throughout regions and nations,” Chen said. “It improves communication, consultation, cooperation, and contribution among all individuals and groups.

“Globalization and transformation help us to think not only locally and nationally but globally as well. We need to motivate and inspire ourselves to be more active, positive, optimistic and responsive to change for the betterment of our life as a whole,” according to a news release.

“The world is a unit of network in which all is interrelated; everything affects everything else,” Chen said. “People are often inspired by the discovery of connections.”

He added that transformation is a way of life and changes are necessary in a commitment to improve oneself.

“Globalization and transformation are the development trends of modern society in which all literatures, resources and information are now easily accessible through modern technology,” he said.

“Change is the essence of life,” he said. “As Charles Darwin said, ‘It is not the strongest of the species that survive, or the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.’ ”

Chen, of New Zealand, is the vice president for the International Congress on Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport and Dance. United States Sports Academy President Tom Rosandich is the organization’s director of coaching.

Chen was formerly a professor at the Graduate Institute of Sport Coaching, Science and Chinese Culture at the University of Taiwan, China from 1993-2008.

He is an emeritus principal lecturer at the Dunedin College of Education, which is now associated with the University of Otago, New Zealand.

Chen’s appearance Friday continues an ongoing relationship with one of many programs the academy works with.

“The academy’s programs have been delivered to more than 60 nations,” director of communications David Lubach said. “There are many examples of this: contributing to the development of national sports academies such as the Bahrain Sports Institute, the Malaysian Sports Science Academy and, most recently, in Jamaica, where the academy has an agreement with the University of Technology, Jamaica, to develop the Caribbean School of Sports Science.

“Through its programs on instruction, research and service, the academy has served both the nation and the world in developing the profession of sport.”

Chen’s visit to the area comes after guest professor engagements at the University of Northern Iowa and Northern Michigan University.

“It is important to remember that we are the captains of our future, we are leaders of our mission and we are the masters of our destination,” Chen said.

Chen is also set to speak at the following locations:

• 11 a.m., Oct. 11: Fairhope Unitarian Fellowship, 1150 Fairhope Ave., Fairhope. For more on this lecture, see Page 9A.

3 p.m., Oct. 11: University of South Alabama-Baldwin Couty Distinguished Lecure Series, USABC Perfomance Center, 111 St. James Ave., Fairhope. Although free, reservations are recommended. 928-8133.

• 12 p.m., Oct. 12: Daphne/Spanish Fort Rotary Club, Homewood Inn and Suites of Daphne, 29456 N. Main St.

• 8 a.m., Oct. 13: Daphne High School.

• 10 a.m., Oct. 13: Fairhope High School.

• 6 p.m., Oct. 13: Mobile Exchange Club/Eastern Shore Exchange Club, 601 Bel Air Blvd., Mobile.

The public is invited to join the academy’s faculty, staff and students for the presentation.

For more info, call 626-3303 or visit the academy’s Web site at www.ussa.edu.