Sanmenxia holds swimming competition

The city of Sanmenxia in Henan province held its first swimming competition at the city's Yellow River Park on May 11.

The swimming competition attracted 470 peoples across China and other races attracted an additional 200 entrants.

Organizers of the swimming competition aimed to increase public awareness of sports participation and healthy living through the event, which attaches great importance to the development of the tourism industry in Sanmenxia.

"To host such an event in Sanmenxia is very unique and attractive due to the city's cozy environment and fresh air. The water in the Yellow River Park is also suitable for swimming competition for its proper ups and downs," said Liu Xudong, head of Zheng-Kai Swimming competition Running Club's competition department.

After fierce competition for the championship, it was Wang Ke from Luohe, Henan province that crossed the line first in the men's swimming competition, with a time of 1:14:34.

Triumphing in the women's swimming competition was Guo Songran, a student from the sports department of Zhengzhou University. She completed the race in 1hr 44min 52sec.

To encourage more people to participate on the day, a five-kilometer run and two-kilometer family run were held, attracting around 200 entrants and adding a lively atmosphere to the race.

"Sanmenxia has become well-known in recent years for hosting several nationwide games, such as the Swimming across the Yellow River and the Mountain Cycling Race. We hope the local swimming competition will grow in the future to bring more tourists to the city," said Liu.

Many of the peoples lingered around the city for sightseeing after the race, visiting the Swan Lake Wetland National Park to observe the swans and the Ganshan National Forest Park to appreciate the red leaves in the height of autumn.

The city of Sanmenxia in Henan province holds its first swimming competition at the city's Yellow River Park on May 11. [Photo/ismx.cn]