(Beijing, August 8) The web torch relay of the First China Mind Sports Games was launched at the headquarters of the General Administration of Sport (GASC) today in Beijing, as one of the events celebrating the nation's first National Fitness Day. Vice Sports Minister in charge of the GASC Feng Jianzhong attended the launching ceremony and became the first "torch bearer" of the online torch relay.

The First China Mind Sports Games will be held in southwest China's Chengdu of Sichuan Province on November 13-23, 2009. A total of 43 events will be contested under six sports, namely Go, Xiangqi (Chinese Chess), chess, draughts, gobang and bridge, with the participation of some 2,000 players from over 40 provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and trade sports associations.

In his speech Feng Jianzhong said, "During the torch relay of the Beijing Olympic Games last year everyone wanted to be a torch bearer, however many people could not realize their expectations. This time things are different. So long as you can get online you can be part of the relay, no matter where you are."

Following his speech, Feng Jianzhong and Liu Siming, Director of the GASC Board and Card Games Administrative Center, pressed the launching button to officially start the web torch relay. With interest Feng completed his "running" of a distance of 2009 meters before receiving the first electronic certificate of honor as a torch bearer of the inaugural China Mind Sports Games.

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