As four-day Swat Summer Sports Festival 2013 enters the third day, the festivities are in the full swing mesmerising the tourists coming from across Pakistan and the world.
The festival was organised by the Pakistan army in collaboration with the government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) at two different venues of Ushu Forest and Mahodan.
The tourists as well as the locals lauded the role of Pakistan army, the civil administration and the people of Malakand division for rendering sacrifices for the restoration of peace to Swat.
They also urged the government to hold such festivities across KP, including FATA, to portray a soft image for local as well as foreign tourists of the area known as little Switzerland.
“Holding of such events would create a positive impression about Pakistan that would be carried forward by the tourists, particularly those coming from abroad,” Saeed Khan, a tourist commented.
However, while celebrating the event, the people of Swat have not forgotten the sacrifices rendered by Pakistan army and people paid tribute to those who sacrificed their lives to restore peace in the area.
The festival features adventure sports, touch of culture, funfair and tourism.
The event comprises the adventurous sports including parajumps and air shows, acrobatics by SSG, tent pegging tournaments, paragliding, motorised gliding, hand gliding, remote control flying, bungee jumping, rock climbing, repelling and water sports, including water scooter and jet boat riding, and archery. Activities also included archery, bike races, dirt bike rally, jeep rally from Kalam to Mahudand Lake, marathon for environmental protection, wall net climbing, cross country, cycling and canoeing.
It also featured a musical concert by local artists, fireworks, kiteflying boating, fishing, trained dog shows, Punjab Rangers drill show, dance with fire, Mil Band display, comedy shows and horse riding.
In order to give the event a traditional touch, there were Khattak and Chitral dances on display, and all regional dances of Pakistan, including Luddi, Torwali and Makrani were also put on show.
To revive tourism activities and to attract local as well as foreign tourists, a story of Swat through pictorial display on prominent places was also made.
A Tent City at natural sites in Ushu Forest and Mahudand Lake for nature lovers was set up to facilitate the visitors during the festival.
A fun land for the children was also developed in order to engage the children in healthy sports activities.