Group 1 - The 26th Shandong Provincial Games is scheduled to open on August 26, 2026, lasting for 10-12 days, with the opening and closing ceremonies held at the Linyi Olympic Sports Park Stadium and Gymnasium [1] - This year's Provincial Games will feature a 19% increase in events compared to the previous edition, totaling 38 major events and 1,081 minor events, with a total of 1,608 gold medals to be awarded [3] - New sports such as equestrian, baseball, golf, water polo, figure skating, and ice hockey will be included in the official competition for the first time [3] Group 2 - Over 13,000 athletes are expected to participate, along with more than 3,000 team leaders, coaches, and referees [3] - Linyi City is actively raising funds for the construction of sports facilities, with 34 venues being newly built or renovated across 4 districts and 9 counties, including Linyi University [3] - Key projects such as the Linyi Olympic Sports Park Stadium, Gymnasium, and diving swimming pool are nearing completion, with all venue construction tasks expected to be finished by the end of December this year [3]