Athletic energy exudes from historic Bose

This photo shows a section of the Torch Relay route in Bose. Bose is the last leg of the Torch Relay in Guangxi Zhuang Antonomous Region.

Bose people greet the relay with flags all over the city. The Beijing Olympic torch relay in Guangxi Zhuang Antonomous Region concluded in Bose on June 8.

This photo shows the old site of the headquarters of the Seventh Red Army, located in Bose, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Bose is the largest city in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region

Updated：2008-06-08

(BOSE, Southwest China, June 8) -- On Sunday, historic Bose in Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region played host to the 2008 Olympic torch relay. Numerous activities set up to celebrate the event were participated in by the 3.8 million Chinese residents of different ethnicities in the city.

One of Bose's most interesting and unique athletic activities is a relay race made up of 3 to 6 runners on each team. Dressed in wooden shoes, competitors race to see which team is fastest. Holiday or not, Bose residents can be seen participating in this activity on any day.

Members of the Miao minority take part in a yearly activity which involves climbing a 10-meter long pole which is topped with a bundle of goods, including pork, alcohol, and other treats. The climb is a matter of not only who can get to the top the fastest or highest, but also who can climb the pole with a high degree of artistry, which often also means a high level of difficulty as well. The more intricate the climb, the louder the applause from gawking fans.

Sports have become a major part of the lives of Bose's residents. For example, to celebrate the numerous minorities that live in the region, in 2006, Bose organized the first traditional ethnic minority sports tournament.

"Everyone says Bose is an old district, but from what I see, this ancient region really isn't 'old.' Just the opposite, under the athletic spirit of Bose's residents and the continuous excitement that they use to welcome athletics, this old district's appearance is becoming younger and younger, more and more alive," said Lan Hongping of Bose's sports bureau.