Chinese sports enthusiasts celebrate Olympic Day, embrace Paris Olympics

NANJING, China, June 23 (Xinhua) -- Sports fans across China marked Olympic Day on Sunday with various sports activities, showing their enthusiasm for the upcoming Paris Olympic Games, which opens in just over one month's time.

Olympic Day aims to encourage global participation in sports, regardless of gender, age, or athletic ability. This year's Olympic Day, carrying the theme "Let's Move," inspired events in 14 Chinese cities and counties, including Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Qingdao. Thousands of sports enthusiasts enjoyed fun runs, Olympic culture camps and more.

At the main event in Beijing, Zhou Jinqiang, vice president of the Chinese Olympic Committee, highlighted the annual Olympic Day celebrations that have been held since 1987.

"With the Paris Olympics approaching, Chinese athletes are in the final stages of preparation. We hope everyone can actively participate in sports, cheer on Olympic athletes worldwide and enjoy the health and happiness brought about by the Olympic movement," Zhou said.

Shen Jie, deputy director of the Chinese Olympic Committee Secretariat, delivered a message from IOC President Thomas Bach, who urged people to get moving on this special day, celebrate the birth of the modern Olympic movement, anticipate the Paris Games, and embrace the Olympic motto, "Faster, Higher, Stronger - Together."

In Beijing, the Olympic culture camp featured a virtual sports experience area that attracted many citizens. An Olympic-themed study camp was also arranged, which included visits to Olympic venues and the Beijing Olympic Museum, allowing participants to retrace the Olympic path and experience the Olympic culture and spirit.

Olympic champion Zhang Jiaqi, who attended the event, expressed her appreciation for the Olympic Movement, which she said conveyed understanding, unity, friendship and enthusiasm.

Across China, sports enthusiasts are actively embracing the Olympic spirit. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, over 500 sports lovers participated in a fun run and basketball and football training camps. Training sessions of flag football, a new Olympic event, were also held.

In Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, hundreds of citizens wearing Olympic Day T-shirts joined a 2-kilometer run. "I usually don't like to exercise, but I found it very enjoyable after trying it! With the Paris Olympics coming up, it's great to experience the Olympic spirit through these activities," said Yao Xiuzhen, a 52-year-old Nanjing resident.

In Qingdao, Shandong Province, locals took part in a mass fitness walk and an Olympic sailing training camp. Professional sailing coaches provided lessons on boat structure and knot tying, and led practical sailing experiences on the sea.

Additionally, on Sunday night, iconic Olympic venues like the Bird's Nest and Water Cube in China are to be illuminated to celebrate Olympic Day and highlight China's connection to the Olympic Movement.