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National Winter Games fuel ski passion in N. China

Xinhua, January 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

Zulpiya's eyes glittered as the Uygur girl skied down a steep slope at the Silk Road ski resort in the southern suburb of Urumqi.

"I felt like flying when I skied down the slope. It gives me a lot of fun and I'm fascinated with the sport," said Zulpiya.

Zulpiya is just one of the burgeoning ski fans in China following Beijing's successful bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics last July.

More than a dozen of ski resorts opened across the country this winter and the 13th National Winter Games, which open here on Wednesday, has added more fuel to a craze for ski in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

"About 30 snow-themed programs have been arranged this winter in Xinjiang, and nearly 1,000 tour groups were attracted to the region," said Li Jidong, head of Xinjiang Tourism Administration.

The National Winter Games has become a hot topic in Xinjiang and local residents are eager to watch the competitions on spot.

"I will take my kids to cheer for the athletes when the competitions kick off," a bank clerk who is surnamed Zhao told Xinhua.

A total of 50,000 "experience cards" have been handed out free to the public, according to the games organizers. Holders of the cards can enter competitions venues and nearby ski resorts free of charge.

"We hope that the local residents enjoy the sports gala," said Li Guangming, head of Xinjiang's Sports Bureau. Endit