NAIROBI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's inaugural national Wushu competition was held in Nairobi on Thursday, bringing together contestants from eight counties to showcase their skills in Chinese martial arts.
Students from primary, secondary and tertiary institutions competed in various Wushu disciplines. Top performers received gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as merit awards.
Guo Haiyan, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said Wushu was more than a sport, which embodies Chinese values of harmony, inclusiveness, self-improvement and perseverance.
"As Wushu continues to gain popularity around the world, it has become an important bridge for cultural exchange and closer ties between peoples," Guo said.
She added that the competition reflected the development of Wushu in Kenya and provided another platform for cultural exchanges between China and Kenya.
Elijah Mwangi, principal secretary in the State Department for Sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports, said the competition symbolized the longstanding friendship and cultural ties between Kenya and China.
"This inaugural championship transcends the boundaries of sports," Mwangi said in a speech read on his behalf by Joel Atuti, director of sports in the ministry.
"It is a celebration of shared values, enduring partnerships, cultural diplomacy and the potential that emerges when nations choose collaboration over competition and friendship over discord," he added. ■