Two cyclists rode over 2,200 kilometers to promote the National Games

  Outside the venue where the torch design for the 12th National Games was unveiled yesterday, two people riding mountain bikes adorned with the 12th National Games emblem caught everyone’s attention. It turned out that the two had set off from Dalian on May 19, traveled through 14 cities in Liaoning Province, covered over 2,200 kilometers, and arrived in Shenyang yesterday, promoting the National Games along the way.

  Ma Xueqing, 35, a former torchbearer for the 2008 Beijing Olympics who now works in Dalian, said: “We set off from the Dalian Olympic Sports Center Stadium and arrived at this press conference venue today, exactly 19 days later. In these 19 days, we visited all the National Games venues in 14 cities. It felt really great riding all the way.” Ma chuckled as he spoke, adding that the weather seemed to have been especially cooperative during those 19 days, with no rain. “What impressed me most along the way was the enthusiasm of the people in Liaoning for the National Games. With the National Games flag on my bike, I received ‘preferential treatment’ when it came to food, lodging, and asking for directions.”

  Traveling with Ma Xueqing is Li Xiaolong, a 27-year-old from Chaoyang. Li said, “I met Ma Xueqing through a friend. I thought his idea of cycling to promote the National Games was great, so I joined him. Cycling is also a form of exercise. I hope to use my own actions to promote the National Games, advocate for a green and healthy lifestyle, and encourage more people to get involved in national fitness.”