STORY: Sports enliven life in Xinjiang, kindling dreams
SHOOTING TIME: recent footage
DATELINE: May 27, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:44
LOCATION: URUMQI, China
CATEGORY: SPORTS

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Xinjiang
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): FERNANDO SANCHEZ CIPITRIA, Football coach, Xinjiang Silk Road Eagle Club
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): NEELS THERIC, Motorcycle racer
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): Motorcycle racer

STORYLINE:

In northwest China's Xinjiang, sport is more than just a game. It is a source of inspiration, resilience and unity, fueling dreams and shaping futures in this dynamic corner of the world.

Official data revealed that in 2023 alone, Xinjiang built 247 new football fields. A growing number of professional coaches also went to this land of football passion, providing more advanced training for the players.
   
Former Real Madrid youth coach Fernando Sanchez Cipitria returned to Xinjiang for a second stint this year. In 2018, during his first journey, he frequently traveled through cities and villages to scout local football talent.

The Xinjiang Silk Road Eagle, the region's first membership-based football club, was founded on February 4. Despite several Chinese clubs having extended offers to him, Fernando promptly accepted the invitation from Xinjiang.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Spanish): FERNANDO SANCHEZ CIPITRIA, Football coach, Xinjiang Silk Road Eagle Club
"These facilities were not available when I was there. I think you are making progress, and I saw you have made a lot of progress. I believe this club will mark a milestone in Chinese football."

In May and June, Xinjiang is a hot spot for motorsport. Now, competitors from across China, as well as from the United States, France and Mongolia, are testing their mettle in one of Asia's most challenging motorsport events -- Taklimakan Rally.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): NEELS THERIC, Motorcycle racer
"My feeling is good for my second time at Taklimakan Rally. It's a very, very difficult rally, because as a dessert it's very, very hard."

SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): Motorcycle racer
"The Taklimakan Rally has become a part of my life, and the rally has made me today."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Urumqi, China.
(XHTV)