Youth hockey tourney a big hit in Tangshan

The Ruixiang Cup China-Russia youth ice hockey invitational tournament ended in Tangshan, Hebei province last week.

The five-day event organized by the Hebei Ice and Snow Sports Association, Tangshan Municipal Sports Bureau, Administrative Committee of Tangshan Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone, Hebei Ruixiang Sports Cultural Development Co. Ltd and Tangshan Ruixiang Ice Sports Club, attracted more than 240 players representing 19 teams from China and Russia.

The Tianjin Champion Star Yuehu Under-8 team, Beijing Dream Chasers and Tangshanixiang Warriors Under-12 team won the U8, U10 and U12 categories respectively.

Tangshan has been developing winter sports in recent years, including an investment of about 100 million yuan ($14 million) to build the city's largest ice arena. The city has also been promoting ice and snow sports in schools, factories and government units, contributing greatly to the national fitness program in the process.

Tangshan has pledged to host more ice and snow events in the future to further promote the city and benefit local residents.