June 24, 2009
One Thousand Tables, Bird’s Nest Table Tennis Extravaganza
Incredible Scenes in Beijing
Photo By: Xinhuanet
Courtesy of ITTF
At the Opening Ceremony for the 7th National Fitness Festival of Beijing on Saturday June 20, 2009; China's biggest table tennis event was held.
More than 10,000 table tennis enthusiasts gathered.
It was part of a drive to encourage people to invest in a healthier lifestyle being organized next to the National Stadium, the now famous Bird’s Nest; the focal point of the 2009 Olympic Games.
Staged in the splendid grounds with more than 1,000 table tennis tables were in use!
Deng Yaping
Twice Olympic Women’s Singles gold medalist, Deng Yaping, one of China's all time favorite table tennis stars participated in the huge event; hoping that through events such as these people would see that exercise can also be fun.
"The spirit of Olympic games is to participate. I think what we should think about how we can encourage people to participate in sport, especially with nationwide fitness programs”, said Deng Yaping. “So I think activities like this can help people to make friends by playing table tennis and they have fun."
Overweight
At the moment, according to China's Health Ministry, nearly 60 percent of males living in Beijing are considered overweight. Former Paralympics gold medalist, Mi Shanhui, was excited by the huge event and hoped to take part similar occasions in the future.
"I think the atmosphere here is terrific; even though I have been playing table tennis for a long time, I have never been to such a big event” said Wu Huimin, a Beijing resident who felt honored to play in such a major event. “I am very happy right now; I hope to participate in such events more often; I am excited.
Honored
Such an event may be held once in a life time. Beijing has never held such a huge event before. I am very happy and honored to be participating in such an event."
It was a quite incredible occasion.
Deng Yaping joins the party
Photo By: Xinhuanet
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