The first day of sports this year witnessed group running and other sporting events in Pyongyang and other parts of the country.

The 18th Paektusan Prize Sports Contest among Officials of National Institutions is due to be held in Pyongyang on the occasion of the Day of the Shining Star (February 16), leader Kim Jong Il's birthday. Employees of the institutions are now stepping up preparations for the contest in the wake of the recent table-tennis tournament.

The Sports Contest of Coal Miners and the National Sports Contest of Workers are scheduled to be held in May and August respectively.

Meanwhile, indoor-stadiums and sports parks are now bustled with school youth and children on their winter vacation.