China’s President Xi Jinping has declared the 14th National Games of China open with spectators in attendance for what is seen as a run up to Beijing Winter Olympics which commences in just 140 days.
Being staged in Shaanxi province wit major events in the provincial capital of Xi'an, the multi-sports event runs from 15th to 27th September with 20,000 athletes competing in 409 events in 35 sports.
This major event to be held in China with spectators since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, those wishing to attend events will have to provide a negative COVID test result 72 hours prior to entering any venues.
Being used to test run health restrictions ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games in Beijing, which run from 4th to 20th February next year, spectators are allowed to the Games provided they show a their negative COVID test result, with adults having to be fully vaccinated.
Held in their present form since 1959, the four-yearly games feature almost all the same sporting events as the summer Olympics.
Image: Fans at Shandong’s World Leisure Games.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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