Bashan’s 43rd Road to Mass Games opens
Author: Liu Bing
On April 18, the 15th National Railway Games and the 43rd Bashan Road Mass Games were officially launched at the Bashan Station Stadium. The event brought together high-ranking officials, sports cadres, outstanding employees, and representatives from various railway companies and local schools in the Ankang Railway area.
The opening ceremony saw athlete representatives lighting the main torch of the 43rd Bashan Railway Mass Games, symbolizing the start of the 15th National Railway Games. This year’s edition will feature 15 competition events over a period of 7 months.
The Bashan Road Mass Games featured more than 570 players competing in various collective and individual events such as tug of war, basketball, table tennis, and sandbag throwing. In addition to traditional events like carrying baskets and sandbags, the participants showcased their athletic prowess in a series of entertaining competitions.
During the ceremony, leaders presented cultural and sports supplies to Bashan Primary School, and attendees had the opportunity to observe various competitions and exhibitions showcasing the Bashan Spirit. The event also featured a cultural performance by employees of China Railway Xi’an Bureau Group Co., Ltd.
The Bashan Road Mass Games, which began in 1981, has evolved into a significant sporting event for railway workers and local residents. From a modest recreational activity, it has grown into a renowned “Little Olympics” and a source of pride for the Bashan community.
The games have expanded to include a variety of collective and individual events, attracting participants from railway employees, neighboring businesses, and schools. The event has become a vital platform for promoting fitness, unity, and cultural enrichment among Bashan residents.
Chai Donghai, Chairman of the Xi’an Railway Bureau trade union, praised the games for fostering unity, promoting employee fitness, and showcasing the spirit of railway workers in the new era. The Bashan Road Mass Games continue to serve as a beacon of community spirit and camaraderie.