A launch ceremony for the winter events of the second National Youth Games was held in Datong, Shanxi province, on Jan 13.

About 200 youth athletes from 15 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions will rival each other in eight winter sports events from Jan 14 to 17.

Sponsored by the General Administration of Sports of China and organized by the Shanxi Sport Bureau and Datong government, the snowboarding event of the second National Youth Games has attracted 23 school teams and 14 club teams from 15 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions with eight gold medals to be awarded.

The opening ceremony for the winter events at the second China Youth Games takes place at the Wanlong International Ski Resort in Datong city, Shanxi province, Jan 13. [Photo/Xinhua]

Athletes enter the venue, Jan 13. [Photo/Xinhua]