Diving contest postponed due to lack of competitors

Organizers have postponed the city's first amateur diving competition until August 10 so they can attract more participants, a senior staff member told the Global Times Tuesday.

The competition, which was scheduled to begin on August 3, has received about 100 applicants, less than organizers expected, said Li Baixuan, a senior staff member with the competition's organizer.

Organizers would like another 400 participants to sign up before the start of the competition, including locals and expatriates, Li said. So far, no expats have entered the competition.

The Shanghai Sports Federation and the Shanghai General Labor Union will host the competition with several government bodies and companies.

It will take place at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center.

The competition is limited to people from 18 to 45 years old. Interested individuals will have to pass a few physical fitness tests, including a 50-meter swimming test, to prove they are fit to compete, the Xinmin Evening News reported. These tests will make up the competition's first round.

In the second round, competitors will dive from a 3-meter spring board. For the third round, they will dive from 7.5-meter and 10-meter platforms.

In the Olympic Games, the highest platform that competitors dive from is also 10 meters.

"Competitors will receive training from diving experts before the second and final rounds," Li said.

Medical personnel and life guards will be on hand in case of an emergency.

Residents suffering from heart disease, high blood pressure, contagious diseases or severe nearsightedness are advised not to enter.

Interested individuals can apply to enter the competition by calling the Shanghai Sports Bureau at 021-965365, or 1801-972-5310 and 1312-763-2250.

They can also apply by registering at the Shanghai Sports Bureau official website, tyj.sh.gov.cn.