Published: 13:12, September 23, 2020 | Updated: 16:26, June 5, 2023
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Sports tackled to kick off economic growth
By Yuan Shenggao

This undated photo shows a scenery of Guanyang county in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Guanyang county in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region is investing in the sports industry to bring about economic development and help lift its residents out of poverty, according to the local government, who believe that integrating sports with culture and tourism is the way forward.

Guanyang county in Guilin has invested a total of US$33.97 million in building sports facilities such as stadiums, gymnasiums and fitness trails, according to the county govt

"Starting with a three-day national mountain outdoor sports competition in 2017, Guanyang hosted 30 days of youth sports events this year. Looking ahead, we will do our best to develop the sports industry and hold more international and domestic competitions, reaching a sports schedule of 300 days," said Lu Song, head of Guanyang county.

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Last month, the county hosted four youth sports events, including the Guangxi junior basketball and tennis championships.

Chen Yiping, director of the youth department of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region's sports bureau, said, "Guanyang county attaches great importance to the integrated development of sports, culture and tourism, achieving gratifying results."

Zhao Wenbo, a mountain sports events organizer, said that Guanyang's natural environment is suitable for such sports activities.

"It (the county) has a picturesque landscape and pleasant weather, and its elevated terrain reduces the risk of floods, making it an ideal place for sports events," Zhao said.

"The local government is paying close attention to developing the sports industry, which is creating momentum in the county. Holding high-level sports events is not easy and requires steady investment."

Players tussle at the Guangxi junior basketball championship at the Guanyang Olympic Park in Guanyang county in Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, Aug 30, 2020. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

The county has invested a total of 230 million yuan (US$33.97 million) in building sports facilities such as stadiums, gymnasiums and fitness trails, according to the county government.

Wen Diuyun, director of the Guanyang cultural tourism, sports and broadcasting bureau, said, "Guanyang has benefited a lot from the sports industry."

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Through hosting various sports event, Guanyang has lured many sports professionals from around the country intent on joining hands with the county for sports training and competitions.

In addition, sports can help promote local education in Guanyang county, the government said.

"Sports can attract students from poor families, who can go to a sports school. It will not only help improve the students' study and living conditions, but also cultivate sports professionals for Guangxi and even China," said Jiang Neng, a sports enthusiast in Guanyang.