Splish, splash - the 9th International University Rowing Regatta kicks off in Xinjin, Chengdu

On August 4th, the 9th (2018) International Universities Rowing Regatta officially kicked off at the Water Sports School of Sichuan province in Xinjin County, Chengdu city. Competitors hailed from a range of prestigious universities both from home and abroad, including Harvard University, Yale University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, Sydney University, Peking University and Tongji University. This year’s event features two races, i.e. Men’s Eights 8 (+) 1000m and Women’s Quadruple Sculls (4×) 1000m.

A host of sideline events are also on offer during the competition, including the Sino-Foreign Youth Dragon Boat Friendship Tournament, a tour around Chengdu for students from the universities, a Chinese and foreign youth social hour and an international rowing music festival. Students from the participating universities will be treated to a rich spectrum of Chengdu culture and the city’s vitality through a range of activities such as the Tianfu Greenway fitness experience, Bayu resort tour, Bayu cultural performances and a tasting of local specialties. The organizers hope to present Chengdu to the world through the lens of delicacies and music.

In addition, the rowing race was held in conjunction with the Chengdu Dragon Boat Open Tournament on August 4th. The 4th China-Foreign Youth Dragon Boat Friendship Tournament followed on August 5th. During the two days, a dragon boat team comprised of university students competed against a local team from Chengdu in the spirit of friendship. Organizers hope that the wide range of sports exchange activities will communicate and showcase China’s dragon boat culture to the world and promote the development of Chengdu as a “World Cultural City”.(Kevin)

Teams racing to the finish line. (Photography Liu Shiguang)

Teams racing to the finish line. (Photography Liu Shi guang)

Professional aquabatics team performing during the event. (Photography Liu Jiang)