MPress

Back to Beijing

China Tour March 2009

Beijing Wheelchair Dance Sport Competition
Asian Ballroom Competition - The Venue

The competition and accommodation was at a modern training facility for Para-Olympians, built in preparation for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The China Disability Sports Training Centre is one of the world's largest dedicated training centers for people with a disability.

It covers a total of 238,235 square meters, and includes a multi-sports training gym, two swimming pools, cycling track, two outdoor football fields and two archery ranges. The centre doubles as the national Paralympic sports training base, and is located in Beijing's suburban Shunyi district.

The first impression of the complex is dominated by the all grey exterior, the surrounding fence and the guards. 

The guards seem to be there 24 x 7 and always salute when a car drives past. Still not sure where that gate leads.

Being some distance from the Beijing centre, it escapes the density usually associated with the big city. From our room window, we could see a guy looking after his sheep.

By night, the complex takes on a very different character. Colorful lights on buildings is all the rage in Beijing and this place really lights up. Not the best photo, but you get the drift. There are a lot of buildings and walkways to illuminate and it sure looks spectacular.

 
The competition hall had plenty of space for the size of the event and there were a number of areas for couples to warm up and get that last minute practice in.

We have uploaded all the photos in the photo gallery. You can check the venue photos here.

Chris Gruber