Children from Sijiqing sub-district learn to breakdance. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]

As the Asian Games draw near, Sijiqing sub-district in Shangcheng district of Hangzhou, which is the only venue for the Games in the district, has launched a series of initiatives to ignite enthusiasm for sports.

The initiatives aim to encourage more people to support, participate in and spread word about the Asian Games while showcasing the unique charm and splendid features of Shangcheng district.

One of the initiatives involves breakdancing, an official competition event for the first time in the Hangzhou Asian Games, which has excited many youngsters. Every Wednesday at 3:20 pm, a group of enthusiastic students gather in the dance room of the Jinghe campus of No 2 Caihe Primary School to breakdance to upbeat music.

In addition, the sub-district has also launched a children's picture book class where selected books combining Asian Games spirit with Hangzhou culture were performed by teachers to children.

"We have selected over 10 picture books, including the official picture book Memories of the Asian Games in Jiangnan and the excellent Incredible Sports Champions.

The sub-district has set up 55 Asian Games volunteer teams and released a year-long volunteer plan. It is also planning to add a number of lighting facilities, screens, road and advertising signs, and flower boxes before July.

A foreign volunteer teaches a local child to paint. [Photo/hangzhou.com.cn]