Torch relay for Paralympic Games set for Saturday

The torch relay for the 12th National Paralympic Games and the 9th National Special Olympics will be launched simultaneously across four cities — Hong Kong, Macao, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen — on Nov. 29, organizers announced at a press conference in Guangzhou yesterday.

Organizers unveil the torch relay plan for the 12th National Paralympic Games and the 9th National Special Olympics during a press conference in Guangzhou yesterday. The events will be held from Dec. 8 to 15. Photo from WeChat account "南方+“

The opening ceremony of the relay will be held at Shenzhen Talent Park in Nanshan District at 9 a.m. Nov. 29. At 9:30 a.m., the three other cities will simultaneously begin their segments. Each city will organize 50 torchbearers for the relay.

The torch, named Blossom, incorporates design elements representing the shared Lingnan cultural heritage of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, symbolizing the concept of "three regions as one family."

The Blossom torch features design elements inspired by the shared Lingnan cultural heritage of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Xinhua

Following the relay, representatives from all four cities will bring their flames to Guangzhou for a unification ceremony scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center.

Shenzhen has designed its torch route to showcase the city's character as an open, technology-driven, and innovative hub, while also arranging interactive cultural performances to engage citizens throughout the event.

Runners pass through scenic Shenzhen Talent Park and cross Houhai Bridge during the 2024 Shenzhen Marathon on Dec. 1, 2024. Zhou Hongsheng 

The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympics are scheduled for Dec. 8 to 15. Various athletic competitions for athletes with disabilities will take place across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.