Do your kids have unusually good hand-eye coordination when it comes to rollerblading? Enter them in Beijing’s first rollerblading competition for kids, which takes place this Sunday, September 23 from 2-5pm at the University of International Business and Economics. Open to ages 3-6, the contest is divided into boys’ and girls’ events across two age groups (3-4 and 5-6).
Organized by Rollerblade China and Beijing University Sports’ Association’s Roller Skating Club, the competition is free to enter and features a number of prizes. All 160 participants will receive health insurance and complimentary souvenirs, such as a Roller Skating Cup t-shirt and key chain.
There are two types of races: The MINI Kids Urban Race (ages 5-6) and the Parent-Child Race (ages 3-4 with accompanying adult). The first prize is a pair of inline skates, with the first and second runner-ups receiving a helmet and protective equipment respectively.
1. MINI Kids Urban Race (Ages 5-6)
- This is an elimination race that takes participants through a simulated urban obstacle course. The 16 fastest participants move on to the next round, and the top three finalists are determined through head-to-head races.
- Skaters are allowed to have physical contact, but are forbidden from engaging in dangerous behavior like pulling or pushing, elbowing, and purposely crashing into others.
- All participants must wear a helmet and protective gear during the race.
2. Parent-Child Race (Ages 3-4)
- This timed race takes place in two stages. Each participating group includes five pairs of parents and children (one parent and one child). First, the kids must first race on foot to the end of a 30m track and back. Then, Mom or Dad helps them put on their rollerblades, and the kids repeat the process in skates.
- Like the Kids Mini Urban Race, participants must wear a helmet and protective gear.
Registration
Participants must register at a participating rollerblading club. Here’s a handy list:
- Beijing Tieqi: New Lufthansa Mall, 1 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District (Li Xuemei: 189 1057 0169)
- Beijing Feisu: Fangzhuang Sports Park, Fengtai District (Yuan Ji: 136 7122 3236)
- Beijing Fengxingzhe: Longtanhu Park, Dongcheng District (Zhang Tao: 136 1117 9831)
- Beijing Benben: Shifoying, Chaoyang District (Dong Shuyong: 139 1091 8069)
- RB Financial Street: Jinrongjie Square, Xicheng District (Zhang Rong: 137 0118 6427)
- RB Huilongguan: Huilongguan Sports Park, Changping District (Jia Guilu: 136 0121 1626)
- RB Wangjing: Longze Xiyuan, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (Ma Caihong: 135 1100 8251)
- RB Bird’s Nest: Bird’s Nest, Olympic Village, Chaoyang District (Mo Liyu: 139 1162 0561)
Though the competition is open to everyone, you’ll probably have an easier time registering and participating if you have a good grasp of Chinese. Good luck!
For more information, call the Organizing Committee at 5900 1245 ext 297/9 or email Lisa Liang at lisa.liang@technicagroup.cn. Stay informed by following Rollerblade China’s Weibo page.
Photo by Joseph A Ferris III via Flickr
