Under the glow of floodlights, Guangzhou welcomed athletes and spectators alike for a ceremony unlike any other. On Thursday evening, the city hosted the flame lighting for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. But this year’s torch was more than a symbol of athletic glory—it was born from the depths of the South China Sea.
The “source flame” made its dramatic entrance after being ignited from combustible ice extracted 1,522 meters below the waves. This high-tech twist fused geology and flame: A piece of deep-sea methane hydrate, known colloquially as combustible ice, provided the spark that will burn bright across stadiums nationwide.
For young global citizens and sports fans, the spectacle highlighted not just the spirit of competition, but the power of innovation. The unconventional flame underscores China’s push for cutting-edge energy solutions, reminding business and tech enthusiasts that breakthroughs often arrive in unexpected forms. Sustainability advocates were quick to note the ceremony’s subtle nod to cleaner fuels—an aspirational signal that green energy can light the way forward.
Athletes at all levels—from para-sports champions to Special Olympic competitors—will carry this flame as a beacon of unity and resilience. As the torch makes its way through villages and megacities alike, it will connect travelers, local residents, and digital nomads drawn to authentic cultural experiences. Whether you’re planning your next adventure or launching a startup, Guangzhou’s ceremony proves that tradition and technology can ignite global conversations.
Stay tuned: With the flame now alight, competition is just around the corner. From track events to swimming finals, the National Games promise to showcase emerging talent, inspiring stories, and a shared passion that transcends borders.
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Flame lighting ceremony for China's National Games held in Guangzhou
cgtn.com
