Get ready to feel the energy of the 15th National Games, co-hosted by south China's Guangdong Province and China's two special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao. More than medals and records, this event is a living symbol of unity across the Greater Bay Area. 🌟
Bridging Borders with Speed 🚴
On Saturday, over 100 cyclists zipped across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in the first-ever cross-boundary race in the Games' 66-year history. Starting in Zhuhai, cutting through Macao's Taipa and Hong Kong's Lantau Island, and returning to Zhuhai, the 231.8-kilometer route ran without hitting the brakes. Veteran cyclist Liang Weibin praised the smooth border crossing – some riders even saw it as a chance to make fast attacks!
Deep-Sea Flame Ignition 🔥
For the first time ever, the source flame was extracted from the seabed. The submersible Haima dived 1,522 meters into the South China Sea to collect methane-rich ice. Once on the surface, solar power sparked the flame that kicked off the torch relay. Meng Fanli, executive director of the organizing committee, hailed it as a global breakthrough in deep-sea technology and a symbol of the Games' high-tech spirit.
Robots in the Relay 🤖
In Shenzhen, the 5G-A humanoid Kuavo ran a 100-meter leg of the torch relay without any special hardware tweaks. 17-year-old torchbearer Wang Yuning said it felt like a live sci-fi show. Wang also led a high school team that built a sounding rocket, showing how sport and science can shine together.
Cultural Beats & Regional Rhythms 🎉
The opening ceremony will feature the Lingnan lion dance, Cantonese opera and dragon-boat performances – vibrant traditions shared across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao. As director Andrew Lau Wai-Keung puts it, we are one close-knit family sharing cultural roots.
Fitness, Health & Beyond ❤️
Beyond medals, the Games highlight a bigger goal: improving public health through sport. Chinese authorities launched the Healthy China 2030 plan to blend sports and healthcare across all ages. By the end of 2024, the Chinese mainland had 2,678 ice and snow venues, over 170,000 fitness trails spanning 407,600 kilometers, and 4.59 million sports venues – tripling per-person sports space since 2003.
As the torch flame travels across the Greater Bay Area, it carries a message of unity, innovation and cultural pride. For young enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and adventurers, the 15th National Games is more than competition – it's a festival of what's possible when borders become bridges. 🌏❤️
Reference(s):
China's National Games set to showcase Greater Bay Area's integration
cgtn.com
