The final of the China Canoe and Kayak Tour 2019 as well as the Liyang leg of the 1st China SUP Open opened on the morning of June 22, attracting 342 athletes from 52 cities nationwide.
This marked the first time for Jiangsu to host the China Canoe and Kayak Tour, and contestants aged from 4 to 67.
Luo Qiang, a player from Macao, has participated in many competitions abroad. He said domestic competition is getting more in line with international standards, such as the service and organization. The race in Liyang was held in a picturesque environment and he was confident to achieve good results.
Hansan from Germany also said he and a Chinese athlete participated in the mixed category. While working in Changzhou, Hansan studies canoeing in a club during his spare time and falls in love with the sport.
In recent years, amid the integrated development of sports and tourism, Liyang has made efforts to boost tourism through hosting high-level sports competitions, such as China Women’s Basketball League 2018-2019, China Cheerleading Championships, and China Dragon and Lion Dance Championships.
