The "2011 Nordic Walking Conference and Award Ceremony", organized by the China Office of the International Nordic Walking Association and the Nordic Nordic Walking Promotion Center, and hosted by Nordic Sports Goods (Beijing) Co., Ltd., was recently held at the Temple of Heaven Stadium in Dongcheng District, Beijing. Over 500 enthusiasts from various park-based Nordic walking activity stations in Beijing participated in the event.
The track racing competition made its first appearance at the Nordic Walking Conference, created by Chinese sports professionals as an innovative development to meet the growing needs of the sport. Participants in the racing event must use two poles and compete in a 4×400-meter relay race and a 2000-meter individual speed race on a 400-meter track. The event is open only to participants aged over 50, fully embodying the principle of “fitness first, competition second”. Rules require participants to walk, not run, and pass the baton by tapping poles together. The activity ensures safety while being highly entertaining, with bursts of laughter, applause, and cheers filling both the venue and its surroundings.
For many years, Nordic walking has been popular primarily as an activity and fitness method. This Nordic Walking Conference marks the first time competitive elements have been introduced to the sport, aiming to provide middle-aged and elderly people with a healthy, safe, and enjoyable form of competition that blends exercise with fun, encouraging more people to learn about and participate in this activity. It is reported that innovative projects such as pole exercise competitions and outdoor Nordic walking challenges are also under consideration and discussion.
