World Police and Fire Games kicks off in Chengdu, SW China

The opening ceremony of the 2019 World Police and Fire Games is held at Shuangliu Sports Center in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province, on Thursday. [Photo provided to China Daily]

The 2019 World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) kicked off in Chengdu, capital of Southwest China's Sichuan province, on Thursday, drawing nearly 10,000 athletes from 79 countries and regions including the United States, Canada, and Australia.

The WPFG is a biennial athletic event, open to active and retired law enforcement and fire service personnel from across the world. It is the first time in the event's 34-year history that it is taking place in Asia.

A total of 56 events will be held from Aug 9 to 18, including boxing, darts, indoor rowing, and special programs for police and firefighters, such as stair climbing and police motorcycle events, the organizers said.

An international police and fire equipment expo is also being held from Aug 9 to 11 to display the anti-terrorism and anti-violence security inspection system, anti-theft and anti-robbery alarm system for vehicles, big data smart equipment, as well as cutting-edge equipment and technologies applied in firefighting equipment manufactured in China.

Athletes compete in the WPFG half marathon race on Aug 9 in Dujiangyan, Chengdu, Sichuan province. [Photo provided to China Daily]

To make the global guests feel at home, Chengdu is providing participants with free public transportation and preferential prices for scenic spots, hotels, and airline tickets. Most local attractions are open for free to WPFG participants with valid certificates, said the organizers.

Chengdu has set a goal to build itself into a famous destination for global sports events. It has won the bid to host the 31st Summer Universiade in 2021, the 56th World Team Table Tennis Championships in 2022, and the World Games in 2025.

From 2018 to 2020, the city is scheduled to host 67 international sporting events, half of which will be at the level above intercontinental championship.

Athletes compete in the WPFG soccer match on Aug 9 in Wenjiang district, Chengdu, Sichuan province. [Photo by Guo Jian / Provided to China Daily]