Shenyang,  really pushed the boat out on Sept 7 when the second Shenyang international rowing competition kicked off at the Olympic Park.

Adding to the fun, Shenyang’s ninth dragon boat race was also held at the same time.

More than 2,000 oarsmen and oarswomen in 44 teams and 15 dragon boat racing teams from all over the world participated in the two-day event, such as those from New Zealand and Thailand.

Chen Chunxin, executive vice-president of the Chinese Rowing Association, said at the opening ceremony that Liaoning province played an important role in competitive rowing in China, because many of the country’s excellent athletes are from Liaoning province and Shenyang.

Many Liaoning rowing athletes will participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, Chen added.

The event was hosted by the Chinese Rowing Association, the Shenyang publicity department, the Shenyang culture, tourism, radio, and television administration, Shenyang sports administration, Shenhe district government and the Hunnan district government.