NANNING, June 15 (Xinhua) - The fifth China Nanning International Dragon Boat Invitational concluded Sunday at the South Lake Park, in Nanning City, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

    A total of 44 teams composed of over 1,100 rowers from China, Macao of China, Australia, the Philippines, Singapore, Laos and Vietnam took part in the race. The event included Open and Mixed groups in 500m and 800m races, and 250m and 500m races for 12 persons.

    Despite heavy rains, the rowers were in upbeat mood as hundreds of spectators chanted cheers at the South Lake Park where the event was held.

    Pham Van Hung, captain for Vietnamese dragon boat team, said: "It's my third visit to China. Chinese people are very kind and easy-going. I like this country very much."

    "Sports play an very important role in relationships between countries. Hosting the 2008 Olympic games in China, the most populous country in the world, can make the whole world know China much better. It must be an unprecedented event.

    "I strongly oppose making use of the Olympics for political ends. The Olympic games should never be politicized. All Vietnamese people support 2008 Beijing Olympics and are looking forward to its opening," he added.

    Ma. Cristina Ocba, deputy treasurer of the Philippine Dragon Boat Federation as well as a Philippine team member, echoed these remarks by saying "It's great to let China host the 2008 Olympic Games, through which China will display itself to the world and the world will know China much better."

    Li Thi Chuyen, a member of Vietnamese dragon boat team, expressed his desire to watch the Beijing Olympics.

    "I really hope to come to China in August to watch the 2008 Olympic games, and thus understand China better," he said.

Special report: 2008 Olympic Games