The 2025 SIP Central River Trendy Sports Meet ? Family Paddleboarding Challenge  was held at Central (Zhongyang) River in SIP on Sept 13, when 100 families showcased their paddleboarding skills and excellent teamwork.

The paddleboarding race was the first event of the 2025 SIP Golden Autumn ? Three Lakes Carnival that kicked off on the same day to offer both locals and tourists a feast of commercial, cultural and travel experiences over the following three months.

During the race, the participating parents and children paddled in perfect sync, striving with all their might to sprint toward the finish line. The water surface was alive with paddles cutting swiftly through the waves, while the vibrant atmosphere echoed with cheers and laughter from the spectators on the banks and the gentle murmur of the flowing river.

“My child has been practicing paddleboarding for six months. This sport not only improves physical health, but also connects us with nature. Such an event is truly meaningful,” said Ms. Wang, who participated in the race with her five-year-old daughter.

As the families are competing passionately on the river, the 2025 China Sports Culture Expo and China Sports Tourism Expo are underway at Suzhou International Expo Centre, another must-visit event for sports enthusiasts.

September 13, 2025