The Dalian 3rd Winter Swimming Festival and International Winter Swimming Invitational Meeting have come to an end, China Radio International reported Monday.

The event draws some 7,000 swimmers and 2,000 spectators from more than 40 Chinese cities, the Macao SAR, and 15 foreign countries.

Participants competed in individual 50-800 meters distances with six age brackets and team relay events.

Also held during the meeting were a national winter swimming scientific research seminar, a painting and calligraphy show and a winter swimmers' artistic performance party.

(CRI October 18, 2004)