2010-1-6

Vasaloppet international skiing festival economy and trade talks were held at Shangri-la Hotel, Changchun on Jan 2, 2010 - the day of Vasaloppet China. At the talks, contracts between 19 different corporations and Changchun Government together with Jingyue Economic Development Zone were signed to a value of 18.2 billion Yuan. One of them was a contract between Nordic Ways and Changchun to organize a new event together this year - The Chinese Challenge.

This years trade talks did not only break another high in investment sums, but also made a lot of “firsts” for Jingyue Economic Development Zone who will start to build its first science and technology innovation business center, a European style leisure mall and an amusement park etc. These projects will no doubt further boost activities in the Economic Development Zone in Changchun and contribute to further regional economic growth.    

Four challenges in one year
The Chinese Challenge is a concept taken from the ”Swedish Classic Circuit”, a collaboration between four different classic Swedish sports events where participants get recognized for fulfilling all four races in one year. The Chinese Challenge will also consist of four sport events in different disciplines, and all of the events will be held in Jingyuetan Park, Changchun. 

The challenge includes two already established events: Vasaloppet China (cross country skiing) and Lidingoloppet China (cross country running), plus two new events: Vasa Bike Festival (cycling) and Vasa Swim Festival (open water swimming). The two new events will be held some time in August this year. All participants who complete one race in each of the four competitions during the course of one year will get a special medal and diploma.  

Photo: Mrs Hao Liping, Chief of Changchun Tourism Bureau, Gong Wenbin, Board President of Jingyuetan Tourism Development Group and Gavert Waag, Honorary President of Nordic Ways sign the contract for the Chinese Challenge 2010