Competitors take part in the 2019 international rhythmic gymnastics grand prix and Liaoning province youth rhythmic gymnastics championships in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning province, on Feb 21. The day saw the start of the event, which will last until Feb 25. Nearly 500 competitors from countries including China, Russia, Canada and Slovenia are expected to participate, making it the largest-scale rhythmic gymnastics competition held in Shenyang. [Photo/VCG]

Song Kai, director of Liaoning provincial sports bureau, addresses the opening ceremony of the event in Shenyang, Feb 21. [Photo/VCG]