Renowned as the "Hawaii of China", the city of Sanya in Hainan province enhanced its tropical allure and tourism richness last week as it hosted the 2023 China Beach Ultimate Championship, marking the city's first foray into the exhilarating Frisbee competition.

Aimed at popularizing and advancing Frisbee sports in the region, He Shigang, vice-mayor of Sanya highlighted the event's importance in creating a hub for Frisbee tourism, which seamlessly integrates travel, accommodation, tourism, play, and competition.

"The ultimate goal is to position Sanya as a premier destination for Frisbee enthusiasts worldwide," He said.

Huang Qiang, an official from the General Administration of Sport of China emphasized the event's potential to infuse Frisbee sports into the fitness culture of Sanya, Hainan, and beyond.

The 2023 China Beach Ultimate Championship will foster participation and interest, contributing to the enrichment of national fitness events and activities, he said.

The opening ceremony on Dec 16 featured athlete representatives and referee representatives expressing their passion and determination for the competition. The event drew attention from local residents and tourists alike, with more than 20,000 offline audience members and over 6 million online views.

Sixteen teams, comprising approximately 300 athletes from various Chinese cities and international participants from the United States, Japan, the Philippines, and Singapore, actively engaged in the competition. Alongside the competitive fervor, the Beach Frisbee Carnival was inaugurated, offering attendees a diverse array of Frisbee beach experiences and cultural displays.

In recent years, Frisbee has evolved into a favored choice for fitness and social interaction, particularly among the younger demographic. Analysts said the 2023 China Beach Ultimate Championship will serve as a catalyst and further propel the sport's popularity and development in Sanya, establishing the city as a premier seaside sports destination.