The opening ceremony of the 16th Zhejiang Provincial Games is held in Huzhou on Sept 16. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

Yuan Jiajun, governor of East China's Zhejiang province, announced the opening of the 16th Zhejiang Provincial Games in the city of Huzhou on Sept 16.

The games are a platform to demonstrate the athletic competitiveness and spiritual outlook of the young people in Zhejiang province. Meanwhile, the event is also held to arouse people's interest in exercise and help further promote the National Fitness Program.

Sun Yang, China's Olympic champion who comes from the East China province, lit up the cauldron at the opening ceremony and representatives made vows on behalf of all athletes and umpires, which were followed by a cultural show themed on the "green, cultural and intelligent" concept.

This year's edition will see 912 gold medals being handed out for 769 disciplines in 26 sports, and over 12,000 athletes from around the province take part in the following 10 days.

A cultural show is staged at the opening ceremony of the 16th Zhejiang Provincial Sports Games in Huzhou on Sept 16. [Photo/hz66.com]

Zhou Suhong, a former China volleyball player, is the first torch bearer for the 16th Zhejiang Provincial Games in the host city of Huzhou on Aug 8 [Photo/zjol.com.cn]