One big happy family. So much it is when the 8th Chinese
Traditional Games of Ethnic Nationalities opened in Guangzhou on
Saturday.
Athletes representing China's 55 ethnic groups will gather in
the southern Guangdong provincial capital over the next
week to compete in 15 ethnic sports including dragon boats race,
swinging, Chinese cricket and top flipping, as well as 149
demonstration events.
It is for the first time that the quadrennial games are held
outside ethnic autonomous regions.
Chinese Vice Premier Hui Liangyu declared open the games after over
6,000 athletes, dressed up in picturesque costumes representing
their respective ethnic groups, paraded into the Guangdong Olympic
Stadium.
Amid a carnival atmosphere, a performance themed "Harmony
Forever" unfolded as thousands of ethnic artists took the stage
with music and dance. With a vivid backdrop reflecting the unique
life of China's ethnic groups, the splendid display translated the
field into a sea of jubilation for the country's prosperity and
ethnic harmony.
A glamorous fireworks show brought to a close of the
spectacular, festive night.
Guangzhou, which will host the world table tennis championships
in 2008 and the Asian Games in 2010, has been busily sprucing up to
greet the national ethnic games.
More than 8,000 volunteers have been recruited to serve the
games, and streets are adorned with streamers and posters.
The National Ethnic Games were inaugurated in 1953 with the
participation of athletes from only 13 ethnic groups. After a
hiatus of 29 years, the second edition of the games was held in
1982, and since 1991 it was held every four years.
(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2007)
