Sanya set to welcome China’s National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities

SANYA, China, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) — The 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People’s Republic of China will be held in Sanya, South China’s Hainan Island, on November 22, just 30 days from now.
During a press conference on Wednesday, Zhang Changfeng, Vice Mayor of Sanya and organizing committee official, shared updates on the event preparations. He expressed the city’s ambition, saying, “We aim to surprise those who have never been to Sanya, and to offer a fresh perspective to those who have.”
First launched in 1953, this is one of China’s oldest national multi-sport Games, having been held 11 times previously. Some 10,000 athletes representing China’s 56 ethnic groups will gather on this tropical island to compete in 17 sports, 139 events and three demonstration sports.
Some events, such as equestrian competitions, have already taken place in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwest China.
Unlike traditional sporting events, the Games feature competitions rooted in the traditional customs of China’s ethnic minorities. One highlight is the debut of the coconut tree climbing race, inspired by the daily lives of the Li and Miao ethnic groups in Hainan, who historically climbed coconut trees for harvesting.
The swing competition, which is exclusive to female athletes, hails from the Korean ethnic group in northeast China and aims to empower women by encouraging them to broaden their horizons through sport.
Zhang also noted the organizer is focusing on hosting the Games with a philosophy of simplicity, safety, excellence, sustainability, technology, and cultural depth.
“All the venues are repurposed from existing facilities, and most materials used are recyclable,” said Zhang. “The torch will be ignited by deep-sea combustible ice, symbolizing the intersection of technology and environmental awareness.”
Between the opening ceremony on November 22 and the closing ceremony on November 30, a special Ethnic Unity Gala will be held. This longstanding tradition of the Games will feature athletes from all 56 ethnic groups in a grand showcase of their cultures and traditions.
“In this most beautiful season, the great Chinese family will unite here, showing the strength of ethnic harmony and friendship. That will be the defining highlight of this year’s games,” Zhang said. ■