Int'l swimming competition kicks off in Xichuan

The 2018 Danjiang Lake International Open Water Swimming Challenge kicks off in Danjiang Lake Scenic Spot on Sept 9. [Photo/WeChat: xichuanweiguan]

The 2018 Danjiang Lake International Open Water Swimming Challenge commenced at Songgang Wharf in the Danjiang Lake Scenic Spot on Sept 9, with more than 1,200 swimmers and 60 teams from home and abroad participating.

The swimming competition has been held in Xichuan county for three years in a row. It is hosted by the Henan Provincial Sports Bureau, Henan Provincial Swimming Management Center, Nanyang Municipal Sports Bureau, and Xichuan County People's Government. The competition consists of the 10km challenge, the 4km competition, and general swimming.

In recent years, Xichuan county has put forward a strategy of developing through tourism. Relying on its abundant tourism resources and beautiful natural scenery, Xichuan county is striving to build its tourism brand by improving scenic area infrastructure, building culture, and holding sports events. Currently, Xichuan county is making efforts to build the Danjiang Lake Scenic Spot into a national 5A level scenic spot, thus providing better service for swimmers.

The competition has been a positive experience for athletes, improved Xichuan's image, and increased the county's popularity and influence. It is also expected to be a positive force in promoting nationwide fitness programs, sports tourism, and even the economic and social development of Xichuan.