CE visits Guangzhou for National Games flame-lighting ceremony

Flame-lighting ceremony held for upcoming National Games

With one month remaining before the opening of the National Games, the flame-lighting ceremony for China’s 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games took place yesterday (Oct. 9) in Guangzhou’s Nansha District.

At the ceremony, Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport of China, joined key officials from the three host regions – Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau – to simultaneously raise their ceremonial torches and light the official cauldron.

This included Guangdong Party Secretary Huang Kunming, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, and Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai, who collectively ignited the sacred flame, symbolizing their shared role as hosts.

Also present at the event were Macau’s Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, O Lam; Chairperson of the Macao Competition Zone Organizing Committee, Chan Chak Mo; and Director of the Preparatory Office for the National Games (Macau), Pun Weng Kun.

According to organizers, the flame’s source was combustible ice extracted from approximately 1,500 meters beneath the South China Sea.

The 15th National Games will officially take place from Nov. 9 to 21, followed by the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games from Dec. 8 to 15. NS