The 2024 National U12 Youth Ice Hockey Championship wrapped up on July 29 at the Weihai Ice Hockey Stadium in Shandong province.

The competition, hosted by the Chinese Ice Hockey Association and organized by the Shandong Provincial Sports Bureau, was undertaken by the Shandong Provincial Winter Sports Management Center, the Weihai Sports Bureau, and the Weihai Lingang Economic and Technological Development Zone Management Committee.

After seven days of intense competition, the Beijing team emerged triumphant, with the Shanghai and Shaanxi teams securing second and third places respectively.

"The goal of the whole team was very clear: to compete for the championship," said Dong Liang, coach of the Beijing team.

"These children have been practicing ice hockey for about seven years on average, and this is the first time they have participated in the national U12 series of competitions."

The event not only highlighted the competitive spirit of the young athletes but also attracted many parents from across the country, who took the opportunity to explore the local culture and natural scenery of Weihai Lingang District.

"This is my first time in Weihai," said Deng Tingting, a parent of a Shaanxi team athlete. "I took advantage of my child's participation to experience the relaxation and beauty of this coastal city."

Weihai Lingang District plans to build on the success of this event by leveraging the Weihai Ice Hockey Hall to enhance its ability to organize and host competitions.

The district aims to establish a continuous and multi-level ice hockey event system and to promote the development of ice and snow sports, thereby improving the level of youth competition and encouraging wider participation in these sports.

wangzhuoqiong@chinadaily.com.cn