Hebei province plans to hold its 14th provincial games from April to September.

The games, which encourage amateur competitors to compete in sporting events, have attracted more than 16,000 competitors.

More than 7,000 people will participate in this year's event.

"The most important thing is not to win but to participate and to be happy. All people should be involved in the games," said Zhang Jianxin, deputy director of the sports bureau of the province, adding that the games might also invite foreigners living or working in Hebei to participate next time.

The provincial games is held every four years.

Shijiazhuang, the provincial capital, and Cangzhou will be the host cities for this year's event.

zhangyu@chinadaily.com.cn