Facts and figures of 13th Chinese National Games

TIANJIN -?Following are the facts and figures of the 13th Chinese National Games, the biggest ever in the history of the quadrennial event which opens here on Sunday evening:

Athletes: 20,341

A total of 20,341 athletes, 12,721 professional and 7,620 amateur, including eight overseas athletes of Chinese heritage, have confirmed their participation. They represent 38 delegations, including almost all of China's provinces, municipalities, autonomous regions, the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions, and sports associations from various trades.

This is a new Games record in the number of participating athletes since the inclusion of amateur athletes for the first time in 30 years.

The countrywide event, inaugurated in 1959, is billed as China's mini-Olympics, and features 417 events across 33 sports for professional athletes, and 126 disciplines in 19 mass programs.

Referees: 3,654

As many as 3,654 referees will officiate in the 13th Games. A total of 58 foreign referees have been invited to officiate in 11 sports including handball.

Volunteers: 17,000

There will be around 17,000 college students working as volunteers during the Aug 27-Sept 8 competitions of the National Games.

Venues: 47

There are a total of 47 venues for the Aug 27-Sept 8 competition in Tianjin, including 21 newly-built and 15 renovated. Ten of the 47 competition venues are located in colleges and universities.