Immigrators embrace Beijing Olympic torch with enthusiasm

One minute of silence observed for the victims of the deadly May 12 earthquake that hit Sichuan province before the Beijing Olympic torch relay kicks off in heavy rains in Wanzhou, Chongqing, Southwestern China Sunday morning. (Xinhua Photo)

“I keep physical exercises one to two hours daily,” said Xia Qingcheng who cheered for the torch relay along the rainy road, “We’re putting sports activities in our daily life, and we’re participating in the Olympic Movement actively.”

Sports facilities and recreational equipment have been put in place in all immigrating cities, including Wanzhou.

“We have set up many a squares in our city, and the riverside Corridor has an area of nearly 6,000 square meters, which alone attracted some 2 million person-time last year,” said Ran Molin, director of Wanzhou Sports Bureau.

To explore the advantage of two rivers flowing through, Chongqing, with Wanzhou as its second biggest city, has carried out a Fitness Program along the banks of the rivers for ordinary people in sports activities of basketball, tennis, beach volleyball, rock climbing and swimming.