NANNING, China, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- Standing under the artificial climbing wall of a rock climbing base, nine-year-old Chen Feiyu prepares for her second climb under the guidance of her coach.
On Chens first try, she fell near the finish line. "I was trying to keep climbing, but my hands were so tired that I had to give up," said the young girl, adding that she will try even 100 times until she reaches the top.
Chen was born in Yangshuo county in South Chinas Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, where a well-known rock climbing resort is nestled among the majestic karst pinnacles. Hidden within the verdant landscape are caves, overhangs, and towering walls offering unique experiences for rock climbing enthusiasts.
"The first time I tried rock climbing three years ago, I fell in love with it," she said, noting that she finds it fun to not only exercise her body but also hone her mind.
Knowing that the Amateur Sports School of Yangshuo County will form a rock climbing team this year and recruit the first group of members in the summer vacation, more than 20 young sports talents like Chen come to this rock climbing base to receive training.
Some of the kids, ranging in age from 7 to 14, made it to the top for the first time. "Rock climbing is a bit difficult for me, but I still want to give it a try," said Guan Jialu, Chens peer, who reached the top on her first try, which made her very excited.
"We are looking for kids who are truly interested in rock climbing. These kids are very athletic, they can perform better on the rock climbing wall in 2 to 3 months as long as they are trained," said Liu Yongbang, the head of Yanbang Outdoor Sports Club, who is in charge of this selection. Engaged in rock climbing for 15 years, Liu has been committed to promoting the development of rock climbing in China.
Since rock climbing has become an official event in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, rock climbing ushers in new development opportunities. A variety of official rock climbing competitions and folk rock climbing activities are gradually warming up, gaining more and more attention.
"In recent years, the club has launched several rock climbing summer and winter camps during the holidays to welcome young people from all over China who love rock climbing," said Liu.
Lu Jun, president of the Amateur Sports School of Yangshuo County, said that Yangshuo has the natural advantage of developing rock climbing, which is conducive to the popularization and promotion of rock climbing among people.
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