According to Zhang Zhanhai, general manager of Changchun Jingyuetan Tourism Development Group Co Ltd, the ski race also gives college students an opportunity to learn to ski.

"Vasaloppet is providing a place for 60,000 college students to learn to ski this year. In 2003, less than 1,000 college students participated," Zhang said.

"They might not be trained to professional standard, but they may fall in love with snow and ski. Many students from the south never saw snow before.

"We plant a seed in their hearts. Some, with talent, may take the opportunity to become professionals. Others, probably the majority, may remember skiing as one of the greatest moments of their lives," Zhang added.

He said the city's next move is to encourage middle school students to take skiing as part of the physical education curriculum.

The Vasaloppet festival has also brought Changchun onto the international stage.

Thanks to the festival, the city has now formed a sisterhood relationship with the town of Mora in Sweden, which historically supported King Gustav Vasa in his fight against the Danes.

Changchun, with its population of 7.8 million, is now becoming well known to Swedish and European ski lovers.

"We are trying to bring more Chinese elements into the design of the festival, aiming to build the festival as a cultural event rather than solely focusing on sports," Chen said.

During the festival, the city holds an economic and trade exposition, called the Vasaloppet Economic and Trade Fair.

It is one of the most important business events held during the course of the festival, and attracts more investment to the city.

More than 100 billion yuan ($15.8 billion) has been invested in Changchun over the past decade, thanks to the winter gala.

Since Changchun gained the Worldloppet Ski Federation's recognition in June, Guan Shusen, director from the economic zone, said the Changchun Vasaloppet would strive to involve more local residents from now on.

"The race organization and services need to reach international standards," Guan said, adding that the city will promote ski sports among local residents.

"It will raise the public awareness of the sport. Everybody can take part in it and everyone can have the chance to be a champion," Guan added.

As a comprehensive international winter event combining sports, business, tourism and creative activities, the festival has become "one of the best platforms to boost the economy and promote the city's image", said Guan. "It will become even more diverse and popular in the future."

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