20th Games of Small States of Europe closes in Andorra

The 20th Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE) closed on Saturday in Andorra, which was regarded by the participants as an opportunity to make the countries' voices heard internationally.

During the week-long event, athletes from small European countries competed with one another for a total of 331 medals including 160 gold medals. Pascal Fontanili, a 61-year-old shooting athlete from Monaco, has participated in four consecutive sessions of the event. Although the results are not outstanding, what is important to him is to represent the country on the international stage.

"We don't have many athletes, so we have fewer resources to go to the Olympic Games, for example. We still go to the event, but not in all disciplines, so this event is very important for us," he said.

The participating countries are small, but the event is professionally organized. The Radio and Television of Andorra mobilized all its resources to participate in the broadcast.

Many presidents of international single-sport federations watched the competitions on the scene and gave positive comments.

"Shooting Federation respects all, all the countries, all the continents, especially the small countries that need more support, more attention for working together. Around the world, I really appreciate what China is doing," said Luciano Rossi, president of the International Shooting Sport Federation.

Spyros Capralos, president of the European Olympic Committees, said that in the current context of intensified geopolitical conflicts, the GSSE can complement large-scale events to provide a platform for unity and exchange.

"Through unity, by having all the athletes of the world competing together, that gives a great and very strong message to the politicians. The athletes can compete in a friendly environment without problems. And these are the messages that sport is giving to all of us," he said.

A herd of wild Siberian roe deer has been caught on camera roaming the meadow of in Menyuan Hui Autonomous County of northwest China's Qinghai Province.

In footage captured by photographers on June 2, several Siberian roe deer can be seen resting scattered across the grass. Despite their relaxed posture, the animals remain highly vigilant, holding their necks high as they scan for potential threats.

Shy, alert and swift, these herbivores rely on sharp hearing and smell to survive along forest edges, shrublands and alpine grasslands.

The deer are a national second-class protected species in China. Thanks to years of grazing bans, seasonal pasture rest and grassland restoration, local vegetation is bouncing back, offering wildlife more food, shelter and space to thrive.