Swimmers compete during a competition at Qingcheng Park in Hohhot on March 11. [Photo/people.cn]

It represented the most competitive winter contest in the region, with the aim of creating a sporting environment for local residents and drawing in more youngsters to join in sports activities, according to Mo Rigen, head of Hohhot winter swimming association.

To enhance its level and impact, event organizers invited swimming teams from Russia, Mongolia, Belarus, Norway, Singapore, Malaysia, and Denmark to compete.

The event was divided into individual and group contests, including breaststroke and freestyle. Teams from Henan province and Russia were tied for first place once their points were tallied, and Dongguan team won third place.

The swimming event was also held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Inner Mongolia autonomous region in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the founding of Hohhot winter swimming association. It was sponsored by Hohhot department of sport and Hohhot winter swimming association.

Local officials address the opening ceremony of the 2017 China-Hohhot 6th International Winter Swimming Elite Challenge in Qingcheng Park, Hohhot on March 11. [Photo/people.cn]

Swimmers jump into the water during a contest at Qingcheng Park in Hohhot on March 11. [Photo/people.cn]