China’s 15th National Games are heating up—literally! 🏃♂️ The ceremonial flame for the mega-event was ignited Thursday in Guangzhou, marking the one-month countdown to the Games’ kickoff. But this isn’t your average torch-lighting: the flame was sourced from combustible ice extracted 1,500 meters below the South China Sea! 🌊❄️ Talk about cool science meets sports.
The ‘source flame’ embarked on a symbolic journey aboard the research vessel Ocean Geology 2, tracing a historic Maritime Silk Road route to the Haima Cold Seep area before hitting land. Now, the torch is set for a whirlwind tour across the Greater Bay Area, including stops in Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao—two of China’s special administrative regions—through November. 🚢➡️🏙️
Mark your calendars: The National Games run November 9–21, followed by the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and Special Olympics in December. With inclusivity at its core, this year’s events promise to unite athletes and fans alike. 🏅✨
