Wintry pursuits in hot demand

Getting their kicks

With the temperature dipping near minus-20 Celsius, a good warm-up was essential as students at Toutunhe Farm School in suburban Urumqi enjoyed a game of snow soccer.

Fifth-grader Li Haoyu was among those to sign up for the after-school activity and plays every Tuesday afternoon.

"Sometimes we take off our coats while playing snow soccer. It's a really good way to improve fitness and body coordination in winter," he said.

Li Deyong, a PE teacher at the school, said students are required to wear slip-resistant shoes as a safety measure.

"Students in our school play soccer all year round," said Li. "We first show our younger pupils soccer and let them feel the excitement on the pitch. When they grow up and if they are interested in the game, we will tell them rules, train them, and let them run and play."

According to school principal Ding Yafang, soccer delivers benefits for both pupils and teachers.

"Snow soccer can teach kids to overcome difficulties, and give them confidence and a sense of solidarity through cooperation," said Ding. "PE teachers are also getting more recognition as we increasingly recognize the importance of students' all-round development."

Xinhua