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Int'l hot-air balloon to fly today in Xinjiang
The 2004 Zhongkun Cup International hot-air balloon competition, also called the China hot-air Balloon Tour Series, starts today in Artus of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Organized by Aero Sports Federation of China (ASFC) and jointly sponsored by the Sports Bureau of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and Beijing Zhongkun Investment group, over 100 pilots from 50 teams will participate in the event, including 45 home teams from 18 provinces and cities and five teams from Germany, France and Austria. Hot-air balloon, known as the world's oldest air craft, emerged in France in 1783. A balloon consists of three major parts: the envelop, the burner and the basket. Hot-air balloon is not only entertainment but also a competitive sport with strict rules. Under a game director's guidance, pilots are required to pilot the balloon and throw out a ribbon from the balloon to a target set on the ground, the distance between the ribbon and target is the final score. There are a total of 240 registered pilots and over 200 hot air balloons registered with ASFC. The tournament will include different events including target competition in the daytime and a balloon parade and festival at night. This hot-air balloon event will attract great attention from home and abroad and leave a lasting effect on promoting tourism in the southern Xinjiang Autonomous Region. |
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