Li Jinxiu, vice governor of Jilin province, suggested that Vasaloppet, Changchun, is a trigger to promote cooperation on tourism, culture, and sports between Jilin province and Sweden, during a tourism promotion that Jilin delegation attended in Sweden on March 4 and 5.

Vasaloppet is a traditional skiing race held every year in Sweden and is the oldest and longest cross-country ski race in the world as well as the one with the highest number of participants.

Li Jinxiu, vice governor of Jilin province, at the promotion conference. [Photo/Xinhua]

"Channeling such an international sports event to become a skiing festival held every year in Changchun, capital of Jilin province, tightens up relations between Sweden and Jilin," Li said during the promotion conference.

Vasaloppet in Changchun, has been held in the Jingyuetan National Scenic Area since 2003, and the area has also gradually become a skiing center for China and even the entirety of Asia.

Li said that the promotion can deepen exchanges between Jilin and the administrative committee of Vasaloppet, Sweden, which helps improve the global influence of Vasaloppet in Changchun, and attract more participants.

Madshus, Jilin the Chinese sponsor of Vasaloppet, Changchun, sign an agreement to promote skiing among the public. [Photo/Xinhua]

"The Vasaloppet brand can catch the eyes of sponsors and promopt more sports competitions to settle their events in Jilin," Li added.

During the promotion, an agreement was also reached among Madshus (a Norwegian ski and ski-equipment manufacturer that produces cross-country skis and ski-boots), the Jilin delegation, and the Chinese sponsor of Vasaloppet in Changchun, regarding the promotion of cross-country skiing among the public, particularly teenagers.

Madshus will provide the skiing tools and the Jilin government will offer the skiing sites. The Vasaloppet in Changchun, sponsors will invite professional coaches and open courses on cross-country skiing to trainees.