GUIYANG, May 18 (Xinhua) -- "It is not easy, but everything is going back to normal," Chen Xingli, a sports fan in Guiyang, southwest China's Guizhou Province, said recently in a stadium where he often plays football.

Chen leaned against a wire fence of the stadium after finishing a game with his friends. Nearby, more than 10 people playing basketball are cheered on by onlookers.

"I enjoy this atmosphere and I come here at least three times a week," said Chen, "We were allowed to resume business by the government of Guiyang on March 1 after it successfully kept the epidemic at bay with timely and effective measures," Ma Chenxi, manager of the stadium, said.

Ma said that they have taken strict measures since restarting the stadium.

"Everyday we disinfect almost every corner of the stadium and limit the number entering to ensure safety," Ma said, detailing that people need to write down their names and addresses to get in the stadium.

Though the epidemic has brought problems for Ma's business, it also gives him hope. "The epidemic made me realize that the sports industry is vulnerable to risks," he said.

"More people have begun to realize the benefits of exercise and are willing to spend their time on sports rather than other forms of entertainment," Ma said, emphasizing that a healthy exercise routine is good for their body, and can help them fight against viruses and other diseases.

Chen agrees. "It was difficult for me to gather my friends to play football or basketball before, but now, everyone is available," he said.

Ma added that people have begun to encourage their children to attend PE classes.

"I receive calls almost everyday from parents, who ask whether or not our sports training sessions are reopening. Some even asked me to allowing their children to exercise in my stadium and provide them with trainers," Ma said.

"We suffered a lot over the past months, but now we can see that everything is getting back on track," said Ma. Ma's fifth stadium started operation several days ago, and his sixth stadium is expected to open by the end of May.

"I am confident about the future," he concluded. Enditem