The opening ceremony of the 2019 World Police and Fire Games was held in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province, on Thursday. Nearly 10,000 participants from 79 countries, regions and international organizations are taking part in the competition this year, which runs from August 8 to 18. /VCG Photo

There are 56 events in the biennial athletic event, including characteristic items such as a firefighter's steeplechase, police motorcycle riding, and shooting events. /VCG Photo

Compared with typical sport events, the participants of the Games are active and retired police officers and firefighters, but not professional athletes. /VCG Photo

A delegation from China’s Hong Kong won thunderous applause from the stands when they appeared as the audience shouted “Go, go” in the local dialect to Hong Kong police, who have been working under tremendous stress recently. /VCG Photo

The Games' promotional ambassador Jackie Chan (R) and Sichuan singer Tan Weiwei performed the duet "Joy and Glory," the event's official theme. /VCG Photo

During the opening ceremony, participants and audience members stood in silence for a period to honor police officers and firefighters who had died serving around the world. It is the first time for the event to be held in Asia. /VCG Photo