Swimming race across Pearl River catches on

Guangzhou’s annual “Crossing Pearl River” swimming race started on time this year at 2:30 pm on July 19. The race, now in its 14th consecutive year, drew 1,700 amateurs arranged into 34 teams.

The fitness activity has seen its popularity increase among the general public. “Compared to previous years, swimmers obviously get higher grades. And the more applicants, the more competitive the race is,” said Li Yuanfeng, secretary general of Nansha’s swimming association.

This year, the number of applicants has reached nearly300 in Nansha, a 30 to 40 percent increase over last year. About 100 were selected to take part in the swimming race by a pre-test, who prove to come from various walks of life with age range spanning more than 34 years.

Nansha sent two teams totaling 100 competitors in red to participate in the event.

Nansha’s swimming teams pose for a group photo. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

Accompanied by cheers and shouts of support, all members of Nansha’s teams succeeded in crossing the river, taking 40 minutes in total.

One participant, Liang Rongtian, has crossed the 295,000-meter wide Qiongzhou Strait before, despite his age of 46. He said that the event addresses the importance of teamwork, and contributes a lot to improving people’s physique.

An aerial view of the swimming race. [Photo/gznsnews.com.cn]

To many swimmers’ surprise, the water is clearer than ever. There has been a significant improvement in Pearl River water quality, owing to Guangzhou districts’ treatment of the watercourse environment and maritime sector’s supervision, according to a staff worker on the spot.