Host Tianjin fully ready for 13th Chinese National Games

TIANJIN - The host city Tianjin has got fully prepared to present an amazing National Games as the opening ceremony will kick off on Sunday, several senior officials from the organizing committee said here on Saturday.

"We have put great importance not only on opening and closing ceremonies, but also on providing high-standard venues, security and food safety, etc.," said Cao Xiaohong, vice mayor of Tianjin, also vice director of the Games organizing committee.

Tianjin has called up 17,000 college students as volunteers for the Games. More than 1,000 medical workers form 36 hospitals in Tianjin started medical services in venues and Games' village.

Amateur sports have been for the first time in history introduced into the 13th Games.

The 13th Games has introduced several reforms including adding youth group of swimming, track and field, and offering stimulus plan for coaches.

"Those coaches who tutored an athlete to a medal will have the chance to take photos with the athletes on the podium; we want to reward those coaches," said Gou Zhongwen, director of China's General Administration of Sport, calling for minimizing the significance of the idea of "Gold First".

Gou also emphasized that all the delegates should evaluate their goals scientifically, not only based on the results, but also on the spirits, as well as development of national fitness strategy, sports industry, etc.

The National Games, inaugurated in 1959, drew teams from all provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions. According to the organizing committee, the 13th event has attracted 10,217 athletes to participate in 417 events of 33 sports.