Flying like a blue bird! Photo by Ruan Xiao

Enjoying a moment on the ice. Photo by Lin Chunhui

Skate Asia, an international amateur ice skating competition, was held in the World Ice Arena, the first Olympic-size commercial ice skating rink, in Hangzhou early this month.

The rink is located in a luxury complex called the MIXC in the new Central Business District of the city.

Some 562 skaters from 11 countries and regions participated. Around 2,500 medals were awarded in 20 categories.

Popular events included synchronized skating, ice dancing, and hockey puck handling. Competition was open to skaters of all ages and experience levels.

Yang Jiayun took to the ice in Hangzhou after only three months of skating lessons. And despite reporting stage fright, the teen said the event was "pretty cool." I made a lot of new friends, she explained.

Suputhida of Thailand also enjoyed the competition. The five-year old proudly displayed her multiple medals to local news cameras.

But not all athletes were as pleased with their performances. Huang Xijun of Hong Kong was disappointed with her three runner-up medals.

However, the girl's mother was quick to offer a comforting word. She told her daughter that having fun was more important than winning.

Athletes also gave one another support. Wang Jiaxin could be heard encouraging her partner, Nuonuo, during the artistic pairs competition.

And, as Huang's mother noted, not everyone came to win. "I skate because it's good for my health," said Jiaxin, of Beijing. "I never catch a cold."

Crowds also turned out to see Nathan Chen, a United States figure skating champion. The athlete gave a special performance at Skate Asia's closing ceremonies, complete with his signature kung fu moves.

By Jiang Jingjing

(China Daily 08/25/2010 page3)