Overview of National Games for Ethnic Groups
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Play VideoThis weekend, China's minorities take center stage at the 9th National Traditional Games for Ethnic Groups. Peter Koveos takes a look at what we can expect from this unique event.
Organizers say more than 15-thousand people will converge on China's Southwest city of Guiyang for the National Traditional Games for Ethnic Groups -- making it the largest in the history of the games. Among the thousands include athletes, officials and journalists.
Wang Yufu, Secretary-General, National Traditional Games for Ethnic Groups, said, "Whether you count the number of competitive and exhibition sports, or the number of the athletes, they both are records for the games."
One of the unique aspects of the games is there are two types of events: competitive and exhibition. There are 16 competitive sports and three categories of exhibition sports.
Among all the events, Pearl Ball is one of the most popular. A competitor needs to throw the ball into a teammate's basket to score, but the opposing team will try to stop the competitor from doing so.
Bamboo beam boating is another well-known sport among Chinese minorities. Contestants have to stay on a thick bamboo beam and use bamboo sticks, which requires athleticism and agility.
Equestrian events are also notable at the games. Horse archery could be exciting to watch. This is also the first time a non-Chinese breed can be used by riders.
Chen Gang, Equestrian Referee, said, "Only Chinese breeds of horses were allowed before. This ban has been lifted for events like horse racing, and horse archery."
As for exhibition events, the most thril! ling com petition will be camel racing.
According to organizers, apart from the competition, the preparatory work for the games is ready. Volunteers working inside and outside venues have taken to their posts. There are also volunteer taxi drivers standing by to provide transport service to athletes and other participants.
Finally, the opening ceremony will highlight the traditional performances among Chinese minorities, which will provide the gala with plenty of ethnic flavor.
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