Winter may be cold, but winter sports are hot in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Despite piercing wind and freezing weather, Xinjiang students wear scarves, hats, and gloves, and enjoy a bunch of sports activities in their PE classes.

ICE SKATING ON PLAYGROUND

"After it snowed last week, our teachers first compacted the snow, then a sprinkler car watered the playground. After we flattened the ice, a skating rink was formed," said Ye Yongjiang, an ice-skating coach at a school in Wujiaqu City.

According to Ye, the school boasts a long skating tradition, and offers speed skating classes from second to ninth graders. Teachers guide children to improve their strength, speed and reaction, and teach them skills such as squatting and sliding.

Che Xueqin, a 15-year-old student and also the captain of the school's speed skating team, practices skating with over 30 team members for two hours every weekday.

She said: "My body becomes warm while skating, and our teachers are always with us, so we are not afraid of cold weather, either mentally or physically."

Ye, 45, also nurtured his interest in skating at the school when he was in fifth grade. He became a PE teacher at the school after graduating from college. He has cultivated over 20 athletes for sports schools and athletic teams in Xinjiang since 2002.

"I am proud to see children showing their brilliance on the rink, and hope they can seize opportunities to participate in some national competitions," said Ye.

PE CLASSES AT SKI RESORT

At Silkroad Mountain Resort in Urumqi County, 14-year-old Akqi Sersbek, stepping on twin skis and holding ski poles, listened to the coach's guidance on action essentials and safety matters.

After boarding the conveyor belt and heading to the top of the ski slope, Sersbek and his classmates skied gracefully down.

"I like skiing! Our school often organizes skiing lessons at this ski resort," he said.

Sersbek was one of around 160 eighth-grade students at Miaoergou Middle School of Urumqi County taking PE classes this week. Under the instruction of over 20 coaches of the resort, students first learned how to brake and use gears, and then mimic and exercise moves such as the stem turn.

Zhao Rui, head of the middle school, said the school has established long-term cooperation with its nearby Silkroad Mountain Resort. "Our students usually ski at the resort no less than three times every winter, equivalent to the total time of 8 to 10 regular PE classes."

She added that the local government has allocated a special fund of 300,000 yuan (42,000 U.S. dollars) every year for the school to pay for ski venue fees and buying equipment.

"Over 90 percent of our students can ski, and we hope students can find a way to release their athletic potential and relieve pressure," said Zhao.

SNOW FOOTBALL GAME

The temperature was nearly minus 20 degrees Celsius, while students jogged and dribbled with footballs on the snow-clad pitch of Toutunhe Farm School in suburban Urumqi.

Shortly after the warm-up, students took each other's shoulders in a circle and then started a football game.

Li Haoyu, a striker, beat a defender and scored a goal. The fifth grader signed up for the after-school football activity and plays football every Tuesday afternoon.

"Sometimes, we take off our coats while playing snow football. The game can strengthen our physical fitness and improve our body coordination in winter," he said.

Li Deyong, a PE teacher at the school, said the PE staff team required students to wear slip-resistant shoes to ensure safety.

"Students in our school play football all year around," said Li. "We first show our younger pupils football and let them feel the excitement on the field. When they grow up and if they are interested in the game, we will tell them rules, train them, and let them run and play."

According to school principal Ding Yafang, football serves as a platform to increase capacity for both students and teachers.

"Snow football set up scenes for children to overcome difficulties, and gain confidence and a sense of solidarity through cooperation," said Ding. "PE teachers also receive more attention, as we increasingly recognize the importance of our student's all-round development."

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