QINGDAO: The Asia Sailing Federation (ASF) on Saturday presented Xia Geng, the mayor of Qingdao, with a special award to celebrate his contribution to sailing in Asia.

The prize was established to reward those who make extraordinary efforts in the promotion and development of sailing in the region. Xia won the honor together with Ng Ser Miang, vice-president of the International Olympic Committee.

Wang Jun, vice-president of the All-China Sports Federation and president of China Sailing Sport Association, presented the award on behalf of the ASF.

"I am representing 8 million Qingdao citizens in receiving this honor,” Xia said. “The building of Qingdao into China’s sailing city could never have been accomplished without the participation of every citizen.”

Under strong leadership, the city successfully hosted the Sailing Regatta for the 2008 Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. Qingdao has also organized many international sailing events that have directly promoted the development of the sport in Asia.

In the past two years, Xia has continued to carry on the Olympic spirit, supporting the development of the city’s sailing facilities and related sectors. He was a major advocate to brand Qingdao as China’s Sailing City and, last year, the coastal city became a member of the World Union of Olympic Cities.

"We will continue to put more effort to make Qingdao China’s Sailing City,” he said. “We will deepen international exchanges and cooperation and upgrade annual international sailing events and festivals.”

Qingdao hosts an International Sailing Week every August. The weeklong festival includes various competitions, boat shows, forums and other activities. During the first Mayors’ Summit last August, eight Olympic sailing cities released the Qingdao Declaration on International Sailing Sports in a bid to boost popularity and enhance international sailing.

Xia said Qingdao will put more effort in fostering sailing, sail boarding, and related industries to further promote the sports. Statistics show the city now has 64 schools providing sailing lessons and 74 clubs for youngsters.

By Xie Chuanjiao (China Daily)