Ice and snow sports in Shenyang promote tourism

The 2018 “sports lottery cup” Liaoning second alpine skiing championships, which have partnered with the Liaoning primary and secondary school students skiing competition, was unveiled at the Northeastern Asia Skiing Resort in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, on Jan 28.

The two-day event is the highest-level alpine skiing event in Liaoning province, according to Wang Dong, director of Liaoning winter sports management center. 

A total of 18 teams involving 247 competitors participated in the competition, including 115 children. The eldest of the competitors was 69 years old, and the youngest was only six.

Wang Shian, an expert in ice and snow sports, acted as a representative of the referee team. 

Wang said that although the competitors are amateurs, they are taking part in a high-level competition.

The event is of special significance to younger skiers, because it is to some extent an assessment of players for future professional skiing teams in Liaoning province, added Wang. 

Wang Zichen, 11, started learning to ski aged four, and is good at snowboarding and double-board skiing. He claims that he loves the excitement he gets from participating in the sport.

Tong Zhengyuan, a fifth grade student, enjoys skiing after two years of learning, and says that he and his friends are keen on skiing, as it gets them closer to nature. 

In addition, as a brand event of the Liaoning-Shenyang ice and snow sports, the competition also embodies the characteristics of "sports + tourism", attracting many tourists who come from other places to participate, said Wang Lina, deputy general manager of Shenyang Tourism Group.

The 2018 Liaoning second alpine skiing championships begin in Shenyang, Liaoning province, on Jan 28. [Photo/Shenyang Shuaizheng]

A competitor skis during the competition. [Photo/Shenyang Shuaizheng]

Competitors pose for a photograph at Northeastern Asia Skiing Resort in Shenyang on Jan 28. [Photo/Shenyang Shuaizheng]