The First Xi'an Community Sports Games ended on Aug 8 in Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province in Northwest China. The event was attended by 1.32 million people and had a positive impact on over 6.5 million individuals.

Performances are on stage at the closing ceremony of the First Xi'an Community Sports Games on Aug 8. [Photo/WeChat account of Xi'an Release]

Lasting for 14 months, the games consisted of 17,496 qualifying matches, 266 district- and county-level matches, and 17 citywide finals and exchange matches.

This event has been the largest in terms of participation, the widest in coverage, and has had the most significant social impact and attention in recent years in the city.

During the First Xi'an Community Sports Games, people participate in a tug of war. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]

The games included 25 competition events in five categories, including ball sports, chess, and dances. Each district and county, as well as development zones, also set up their distinctive events, ensuring that all the public could participate.

In recent years, Xi'an has shifted the focus toward communities. The municipal sports bureau allocates nearly 40 million yuan ($5.56 million) in annual special funds to construct fitness facilities in urban communities, such as multi-functional sports fields, fitness rooms, and fitness parks.

People participate in a tai chi competition during the First Xi'an Community Sports Games. [Photo/Xi'an Daily]