International Sports Games

[Anchor Lead]

The first International Sports Games Children of Asia has been held on the Russian island of Sakhalin. It was an opportunity for young aspiring athletes to prepare for the Beijing Winter Olympics, which will take place three years from now.

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The International Sports Games Children of Asia begins. Only athletes younger than 16 are eligible to compete. This year, the games brought together some 760 participants from 20 Asian countries. They'll compete in eight events, including skiing and figure skating. South Korea has 43 representatives, competing in seven events excluding ice hockey. In the mixed 1500-meter short track, held prior to the opening ceremony, six South Korean athletes won gold, silver and bronze medals.

[Soundbite] Chang Kwon-ok(Coach of S. Korean short-track team) : "We are honored to participate in an international competition. We are determined to produce good results and have a good time."

The competitions are being held in six sports facilities, including the Sakhalin Arena City. So far, only summer sports competitions had been held for young athletes every four years. Children of Asia is the first winter competition of its kind.

[Soundbite] Pavel Kolobkov(Minister of Sports, Russia) : "I hope that in addition to competition, this will also be an opportunity for the athletes to meet and get to know each other."

Children of Asia, which is to run through February 16, will serve as an opportunity for aspiring athletes to hone their skills ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.