Sports festival kicks off in Shanghai in October

The 16th Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival will be held in the Lin-gang Special Area from Oct 19 to 20, celebrating various sports events with rich activities and a carnival market.

Hosted by the Shanghai Sports Federation and supported by the Shanghai People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the management committee of the Lin-gang Special Area, the event features Young City For the Youth and aims to attract more young people to participate.

Distinguished from competitions in traditional sports venues or enclosed spaces, this year's event integrates commercial, tourism, and public spaces with the unique characteristics of the Lin-gang Special Area.

A 10-kilometer lakeside run and a 5-kilometer health fun run will encircle Dishui Lake. The National Youth Roller Skating Club League and the Shanghai Breaking Performance Competition will take place at the plaza of Dishui Lake Station.

Moreover, a leg of the 8th Taekwondo Association Cup will be hosted at the Yachen Hotel, while the Double Dutch Contest Shanghai will be held at the Haichang Ocean Park.

In addition to various sports events, a diverse sports market and traditional cultural performances will be showcased at the carnival located at the plaza of Dishui Lake Station. Trendy sports such as street hockey and frisbee will also be introduced on-site.

"Since its establishment in 2009, the Shanghai International Popular Sports Festival has successfully held fifteen consecutive sessions, using sports as a bond to build a bridge of communication and interaction among the public, sports organizations, and expats in the city," said Zhao Guangsheng, director of the Shanghai Sports Federation.