Feature: Free facilities foster sports boom during China's National Day holiday

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, October 1, 2020
Adjust font size:

HOHHOT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Wu Hao didn't plan to travel during the eight-day National Day holidays, as he expected crowded scenic spots and horrible traffic jams. But what he didn't expect was a crowded fitness center.

"I didn't expect this, I thought the gym might be empty," Wu said, ready to lift weights.

The Inner Mongolia Fitness Service Center opened some sports facilities for free for several days during the National Day holidays, including badminton courts, table tennis sports hall, and fitness rooms.

"It's a tradition to provide free access to sport facilities including indoor venues for badminton, table tennis and fitness gym, as well as outdoor basketball courts and soccer cages for certain periods during holidays," said employee Zhao Hongwei.

Having worked there for over two decades, Zhao witnessed sports' increasing popularity in the city.

"More people are paying attention to sports to stay healthy. In recent years, booking a badminton court or a table tennis court requires reservation in advance, sometimes by four or five days," added Zhao.

Since the epidemic, interest in sport has increased considerably. Over 640,000 people have chosen the Inner Mongolia Fitness app to exercise this year, compared with 150,000 last year.

In addition to sports facilities being free for adults, there are also some free facilities for children. The popular balance bike hall will open for free on two days, and the fencing center has a reduced admission fee.

"Parents pay lots of attention to their children's health, as health is the basis of everything. Learning one or two sports will benefit their whole life," said Zhao. Enditem

Follow China.org.cn on Twitter and Facebook to join the conversation.
ChinaNews App Download
Print E-mail Bookmark and Share

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)

No comments.

Add your comments...

  • User Name Required
  • Your Comment
  • Enter the words you see:   
    Racist, abusive and off-topic comments may be removed by the moderator.
Send your storiesGet more from China.org.cnMobileRSSNewsletter