Octogenarian volunteers to train ice sports talents (1/8)

Wu Zhinai, 86, puts on his sports gear before playing in an ice hockey match at an ice stadium in Taiyuan, north China's Shanxi Province. He comes here every week to act as a referee and play ice hockey. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)

Wu, born in 1935 in Taiyuan, began to learn ice sports at the age of 6. He has participated in many winter sports events in China and witnessed the development and changes of ice sports in China. In 1956, Shanxi University set up a skating team. Wu, who was studying in the physical education department of the university, led the team in speed skating competitions for many times and achieved remarkable results. After graduating from university, Wu engaged in physical education teaching at local middle school and actively promoted ice sports. In 1959, the 1st National Winter Games of China was held in Jilin city and Harbin. Wu was the leader of Shanxi provincial team and the referee of the games. And in 1976, Wu was the coach of Shanxi provincial team in the 3rd National Winter Games. As these games inviting high-level foreign athletes, it deeply touched Wu that ice sports education should start from children.

Photo shows Wu as a referee. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)

Wu wears ice skates. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)

Wu tells stories from old photos of ice sports to young men in the locker room. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)

Wu teaches a 6-year-old to play ice hockey. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)

Wu referees during an ice hockey game and gives technical guidance. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)

Wu shows his treasured newspaper for the opening ceremony of the 1st National Winter Games of China. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)

An old photo shows Wu instructing students of a middle school in speed skating training in 1974. (Photo: China News Service/Wei Liang)