Sports Catch on with More ChineseChina is best known for its star Ping Pong players. But after decades of hard work, China excels in many other events. Meanwhile, sports are gaining an increasing popularity with the Chinese people. For many, sports have become an indispensable part of their lives.In the last World Table Tennis Championships, the Chinese team walked away with all top prizes in seven events. China has won 90 out of a total of 314 titles of the past World Table Tennis Championships. The People's Republic of China amazed the world when its team debuted in the 1984 Los Angeles Games and finished fourth with 15 gold medals. China ranked third in the 2000 Sydney Games. The government has played an active role in promoting sports to the public. In 1951, callisthenic exercises began to be taught in China's schools. In 1959, the first National Games were held in Beijing. Meanwhile, special competitions were started for farmers, workers and ethnic minorities, producing many top-notch athletes for China. In 1995, the government adopted a bold fitness-through-exercise program for the whole nation. Starting from 1997, the government has allocated 60 percent of the sports lottery sales for this program every year. At present, 34 percent of the population is engaged in regular sports activities. Sports facilities are more readily available in community playgrounds. A Beijing resident said: "I still feel young when doing exercise. Only when others ask my age, do I realize that I am approaching 70. I feel life is very meaningful." Leisure sports are the order of the day for the Chinese people. From callisthenic exercises to body-shaping, from rock climbing to bungee jumping, the Chinese are enjoying the challenge and fun of sports. |
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