Jinan, capital city of East China's Shandong province, will host an international winter swimming competition at Daming Lake Scenic Area on Jan 12 and 13, local media reported. 

A total of 956 swimmers from 31 countries and regions including the United States, Russia and Britain will take part in the international event. 

Hosted by the Jinan municipal government, the Jinan winter swimming race has been held for six successive years and has developed into an international event. It will act as a warm-up event for the forthcoming Winter Swimming World Cup, to be held in Bled, Slovenia, from Jan 31 to Feb3.

It was also listed in the 2019 Sino-Finland Winter Sport Year series. Jan Wahlberg, the consul general of Finland in Shanghai will attend the opening ceremony to promote sports tourism activities in Finland and China. 

"Jinan is a city of springs that enjoys picturesque scenery and a rich culture. Thousands of winter swimmers will have the chance to experience the beauty of spring water in the city," Gao Liwen, the director of Jinan Sports Bureau, said at a press conference for the event on Jan 7.

The competition will see both open water racing and pool racing take place. In the pool racing competition, there will be 4x25m mixed relay, 25-meter freestyle and freestyle relay. Track specifications and race requirements are all in accordance with the requirements of the International Winter Swimming Federation.

As the host, Jinan city will provide services for the athletes who will travel from across the world to participate. It has invited 68 referees including three at international level and seven at national level to officiate.

The city has also recruited 55 volunteers, half of them with a master's degree or above in sports. Volunteer services will be provided in venues, competitions, medical services, transportation, reception and tourism services. The organizing committee also has set up a medical group for medical security and services. 

A press conference for the 2019 Jinan Winter Swimming Competition is held on Jan 7. [Photo.dzwww.com]

Medals for the 2019 Jinan Winter Swimming Competition. [Photo/dzwww.com]

A brave local resident poses for a photo after going for a winter swim in Jinan, East China's Shandong province. [Photo/iqilu.com]