50 torchbearers carry flame through Macau to open National Games events

Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai noted the city’s efforts to ensure the successful running of all events in the Macau Competition Zone of the 15th National Games during Sunday’s torch relay.

Sam highlighted that the city’s participation was an opportunity to contribute to the overall success of the Games while showcasing the unique charm of “Vibrant Macau” on a larger stage.

The torch relay followed a 2.6-kilometre route beginning at Government Headquarters, where Sam, who also serves as executive director of the Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, ignited the flame from the ceremonial cauldron.

He then passed it to the first torchbearer, Li Yi.

A total of 50 torchbearers representing a variety of sectors carried the flame along the route, which passed several landmarks. The relay concluded at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, part of the Historic Centre of Macao and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

At the closing ceremony, Sam noted that the torch relay illuminated the city with the sacred flame of the National Games, which he described as a symbol of light and hope.

He added that the relay reflected the spirit of unity and perseverance inherent in sports, with each handover of the flame representing the city’s progress and vitality.

“The delivery of the sacred flame to the Ruins of St. Paul’s embodies the principle of ‘United as the Greater Bay Area, United for the National Games,’” Sam said, emphasizing that the event also marked a new chapter in the Games’ organizational approach, prioritizing “simplicity, safety, and brilliance.”

Following its completion in Macau, the flame was escorted to Guangzhou for a flame-gathering ceremony in preparation for the lighting of the main torch ahead of the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games, which will be jointly held by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau from November 9 to 21.