News QINGDAO TRAINING CAMP REGATTA 2010

QINGDAO TRAINING CAMP REGATTA 2010

Qingdao International Junior Training Camp Regatta 2010

Qingdao, CHINA

Qingdao International Junior Training Camp Regatta 2010

Qingdao International Junior Training Camp 2010 Regatta, sponsored by General Administration of Sport of China and Qingdao Municipal Government, was held from.15 to 22 August, 2010. A total of 31 teams with 289 young sailors from Germany, Korea, Japan, Burma, Singapore, Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong, participated in the camp. Prior to the olympics, in China, sailing was not a sport that many young sailors were able to participate in. Qingdao, through initiatives from both the local government and the Qingdao Yachting Association, sailing has now been integrated into the curiculum of many schools and has brought sailing to the lives of many young people. The international camp and regatta brings an opportunity for some of these young sailors to meet sailors from around the world.

Ledro
Sailors ready to launch

Based in Qingdao No. 2 Middle School, the training camp provided free accommodation and meals for sailors. The on-water training was carried out in Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center, divided into 4 training areas, lasting for 3 days, with 300 Optimist boats and 32 professional coaches. As per age and ability differences, the coaching panel worked out different training plans--all sailors were classified into 3 groups and were trained separately. As well as the sailing there was the opportunity to experience the sites of Qingdao. The event was highly successfull with positive feedback from many of the attendees:

Kim Min Hoe Team Coach from Korea Team: "The regatta is a very important opportunity for us, learning about the performance of kids from other countries and finding ourselves a precise positioning to set new target and to achieve it."

Put Richard, Team Leader from Germany: "Qingdao is a very beautiful city. The organization of the camp is thoughtful, excellent. Boarding conditions are quite fine. Our queries and requirements could always be met at the first second. Every sailor was assigned a boat of sound conditions, which is difficult during our daily training in Germany."

Jan, Team Leader from Hongkong Haven Yacht Club: "Meeting with Olympic Champions was a great idea and great adventure .Also the Olympic Museum was very interesting."

Ledro
Qingdao Olympic Sailing Center

William Marian, Camper from Hong Kong remarked, "I was nervous because this is my first sailing in Qingdao, but I was excited. I enjoy being in Qingdao. The wind here feels nice and it is good experience for me."

Plans are already well underway for the international training camp and regatta for 2011. If you are interested in an opportunity for your sailors to meet these young sailors please contact: Zhang Lizhong

huwa800@yahoo.com.cn

| Qingdao promoting sailing sport in schools |