China’s Ethnic Olympics: 12th National Games Kick Off with a Splash!
Hey there! Have you ever heard of the National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities in China? ๐ They’re like the Olympics, but with a twist! On November 22, 2024, the 12th edition of these amazing games opened in sunny Sanya, a city in southern China. โ๏ธ๐๏ธ
The opening ceremony was epic! Over 5,000 performers put on a spectacular show for a crowd of 35,000 people. ๐ Every one of China’s 56 ethnic groups had their own special 30-second performance. Imagine all those colorful costumes and dances! ๐๐บ
For the next eight days, nearly 7,000 athletes will compete in more than 160 events across 18 different sports. ๐ But these aren’t your everyday sports. Check out some of these cool traditional games:
- Crossbow Shooting ๐น โ Just like Robin Hood, but with crossbows!
- Single-Bamboo Drifting ๐ โ Athletes balance on a single bamboo pole and paddle down the river. Talk about balance!
- Pearl Ball โช โ A mix of basketball and traditional dance. How fun is that?
These games are more than just sports; they’re a celebration of China’s rich and diverse cultures. ๐ It’s a time when people come together to share their traditions and make new friends. ๐ค
So next time you’re playing your favorite sport, remember there’s a whole world of exciting games out there waiting to be discovered! ๐โค๏ธ
Reference(s):
12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities opens in Sanya
cgtn.com