After recent flood damage, Guizhou's grassroots Village Super League will restart on July 26 with a brand-new field. [Photo by Wu Huaxian/For chinadaily.com.cn]
After recent flood damage, Guizhou's grassroots Village Super League will restart on July 26 with a brand-new field.
Late last month, floodwaters twice struck Rongjiang county, the birthplace of the tournament, causing severe damage and leaving knee-deep silt across the soccer field.
After recent flood damage, Guizhou's grassroots Village Super League will restart on July 26 with a brand-new field. [Photo by Wu Huaxian/For chinadaily.com.cn]
Following dredging and repairs, workers finished laying 8,000 square meters of turf this past Sunday. The entire county is racing to complete recovery before the league restarts.
"We are now applying sand to the pitch and restoring the running track," Tang Long, director of the county's sports training center, said in an interview with China Daily on Wednesday. "We aim to open the stadium partially to the public by July 19 and, after final electrical checks and sound-and-screen adjustments, fully reopen around July 23."
After flood damage, Guizhou's grassroots Village Super League will restart on July 26, with a brand-new playing surface already in place. [Photo by Zhou Guangsheng/For chinadaily.com.cn]
According to the official schedule, the July 26 game will double as a "Gratitude" event to honor rescue teams from across the country. The Guizhou province branch of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force football team and its cheer squad have been invited to play and perform.
After flood damage, Guizhou's grassroots Village Super League will restart on July 26, with a brand-new playing surface already in place. [Photo by Zhou Guangsheng/For chinadaily.com.cn]
The festivities will begin at 2:30 pm and include a song and dance performance, a drone demonstration, a light show, and more.
"Nearly all county hotels have reopened, and local restaurants have largely recovered," Tang added. "Rongjiang is ready to welcome fans again."
