Diplomats compete in tennis, golf in Guiyang

The Diplomats' Sport Games 2014 concluded its two-day Guiyang competition leg over the weekend in Guizhou province, the event organizer said.

Approved by the General Administration of Sport of China, the annual games are organized by the International Sports Exchange Center of the GASC to promote "sportsmanship, friendship and exchanges". More than 40 diplomats and staff from 19 embassies, consulates and international organizations competed in golf and double's tennis.

Paul Fernando and Ronnie Fabricio, both diplomatic officers from Ecuador, won the men's tennis doubles champions and Hoang Huy-Bui from Vietnam finished first in the men's golf tournament.

Women were also invited to play but rankings were not given because of the low turnout.

"Through the competition, every participant experienced the joy of sport and enhanced friendships while developing mutual understanding," said Zhang Qiuping, director of GASC's International Sports Exchange Center.

Featuring the concept of "Sports Without Borders", the event has previously been held five times in locations including Beijing, Zhejiang and Fujian, attracting more than 300 diplomats from more than 60 countries and organizations since it was launched in 2009.

Entering its sixth year in Guizhou, which boasts rich ethnic folk customs, the games provide an ideal platform for foreign diplomats to witness China's social economic development while enjoying sports.

During their stay in Guiyang, diplomats have been invited to attend the opening ceremony and discussion of a summit forum, "Ecologically Civilized Guiyang". They will also visit the National Wetland Park in Huaxi, a southern suburb of Guiyang, to experience the local folk culture.