The opening ceremony of the 12th National Games presented a show of mass calisthenics performances, which reflected the games' theme of "people's participation and healthy life". The show took off from where the 2nd Asian Youth Games, held in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, had left. This shift from individual to collective performance is a welcome change in sports, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

The importance of Chinese athletes' individual performances at home and abroad is undeniable in the rise of China as a sports power. But medals alone do not make the Olympic spirit. Only if most of the people of a country are physically fit can it become a true sports power.

Chronic non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes are becoming common in China. The number of obese and overweight students is rising while their physical health in terms of endurance and lung capacity is declining.

That's why it has become important to make sports a way of life for youngsters. Sports can help people, especially the youth, to change their unhealthy lifestyle. Many people have begun to realize the importance of physical exercise, and we hope the rest will follow their example to stay physically fit.

(China Daily 09/12/2013 page9)