First world ice dragon boat championships to set off in N. China

The first World Ice Dragon Boat Championships is scheduled from January 9 to 12 in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, organizers said on Wednesday.

Ice dragon boat games in north China's Inner Mongolia [File photo: Xinhua]

Nearly 100 participants will compete in a dragon boat race held on ice in the Duolun Lake, Xilingol League, Inner Mongolia, said Lou Zhongyi, president of the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation.

The events will include 12-men and five-men ice dragon boat races, both 100-meter and 200-meter, Lou said. 

Ice dragon boat games in north China's Inner Mongolia [File photo: Xinhua]

The ice adaptation of dragon boat racing is part of programs to boost winter sporting items and local tourism.

The events are sponsored by the International Ice Dragon Boat Federation and organized by the Duolun county government.