Games put all people at core of sports

The 13th Chinese National Games in Tianjin concluded with a bang on Friday after bringing the public closer to the athletic mainstream, with the country pledging to promote mass fitness through the quadrennial gala.

The country's determination on sports reform was highlighted by President Xi Jinping's attendance at the opening ceremony on Aug 27 and Premier Li Keqiang's participation in Friday's closing ceremony, at which Li announced, "I now declare the closing of the 13th National Games of the People's Republic of China."

During a parade at the closing ceremony, athlete representatives from each delegation entered the venue before everyone stood to sing the national anthem.