On October 9th, a significant ceremony took place in Sanya to kick off the torch lighting and relay for the 12th National Traditional Sports Games of Ethnic Minorities in the People’s Republic of China.
During the ceremony, three unique flames were brought together: the “Ecological Flame” from Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park, the “Technological Flame” from the exploration vessel “Xunlong 2” in the ocean, and the “Hope Flame” from the Ya’nan Bay National Breeding Research Base. These flames flickered together in a lighthouse-style cauldron. As the crowd counted down, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1!” the flames merged and ignited into a vibrant “Unity Flame.”
The torch, named “Tidal Surge,” features a deep blue color inspired by the sea and a design symbolizing the ebb and flow of tides, reflecting the spirit of unity among various ethnic groups working together harmoniously.
Torchbearers carried twelve torches along the scenic avenue at the Tianya Haijiao Plaza. Each relay handover was accompanied by creative and lively gestures from the torchbearers, adding warmth to the event. The twelfth torchbearer’s flame coincided with the torch held by the event’s mascot “Jibe,” illuminating it and initiating a digital torch relay. Netizens across the country were encouraged to participate in the online torch relay, turning everyone into a virtual torchbearer.
The event also highlighted the voices of those involved. “As a deep-sea technology researcher, I’m thrilled and proud to be part of this torch relay,” stated Xu Hongzhou, a researcher at the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, who was the first torchbearer. He emphasized the interconnectedness of ethnicity, sports, and technology, noting that technological advancements support the development of various ethnic groups and provide a foundation for sports striving for excellence. Sports, in turn, create a platform for cultural exchange, bolstering unity among different ethnic communities. “I wish for the success of this sports gathering and hope for outstanding performances from the participants,” he concluded.
