Other Sports

Haiyang invites all to share happiness on the beach

By Chen Xiangfeng (China Daily)
Updated: 2011-07-07 08:08

HAIYANG, Shandong - Officials of the 2012 Asian Beach Games organizing committee want to use the event as a platform to host special international tournaments in China.

"The Asian Beach Games is a major continental tournament. But it's different from the Asian Games or other tournaments," said Jiang Xuening, a chief official in charge of publicity in Haiyang, the coastal city of Eastern China's Shandong province, which will host the Asian Beach Games from June 16-22 next year. "With 'Share the Joy' as its slogan, and 'Sand and Sun, Passion and Fashion' as its concept, we want to spread a different idea to Chinese people through these games - it's not about fighting for medals on the beach. It's about how to enjoy yourself as an athlete or a spectator.

"Chinese are used to focusing on gold medals at the Asian Games or Olympic Games. But I hope the media can turn the limelight to a non-competitive angle. I hope the media can tell Chinese people that the beach games are a place where you and your family can find time to relax and also get involved in beach sports," Jiang said.

Gao Jingtao, vice-mayor of Haiyang, said the city will keep most of its venues open to the public for free after the games.

"The beach soccer and volleyball fields and cliff climbing center will be open to public for free after the games. I am sure these areas will become attractive destinations for people from China and Asia."

Gao added hosting the games would enhance the awareness of keeping fit through sports.

"After the Beijing Olympic Games, China has placed a priority on national fitness programs in order to enhance the nation's overall physical quality. Beach sports are very important in the coastal cities. "

To support Haiyan's efforts, a national beach sports zone has been established.

The 445-hectare base is home to eight venues for the Asian Beach Games, providing facilities for beach soccer, beach volleyball and beach handball games. At the base, there is also an Olympic park, a bathing beach, a sand sculpture park and an international yacht club.

China Daily

(China Daily 07/07/2011 page22)