Chinese Vice Premier inspects National Games venues

TIANJIN -- Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong has called for high-quality preparations for this summer's National Games during an inspection tour of the venues.

Liu recently inspected Games-related facilities including the athletes village and the stadium that will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the National Games. She was also briefed on the progress of preparations for the Games.

Liu underscored the role of sports in enhancing the people's health and building a healthy China, saying the National Games are a good opportunity to push forward the national fitness program.

"We must work hard to ensure the 13th National Games are an innovative, green, harmonious, frugal event enjoyed by all of the public," she said.

The Chinese National Games, dubbed "China's Olympics," were inaugurated in 1959 and are held every four years.

The 13th National Games will take place in Tianjin from August 27 to September 8.