Guangzhou set the stage for a landmark sporting event on Thursday as it hosted the flame lighting ceremony for China’s 15th National Games, alongside the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games. The event marks the first time the National Games will be jointly hosted by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong, and Macao – a collaboration underscoring regional unity and innovation.
The “source flame,” a symbolic highlight of the ceremony, was ignited using combustible ice extracted from 1,522 meters below the South China Sea. This pioneering energy source, developed through Chinese technological advancements, represents both environmental sustainability and national pride.
Scheduled for November 9–21, the 15th National Games will feature athletes from across the Chinese mainland and its special administrative regions. The subsequent Games for Persons with Disabilities and Special Olympics will follow in December, emphasizing inclusivity in sports.
Analysts note the tri-region hosting model could boost infrastructure development and cultural exchange in the Greater Bay Area, while businesses eye opportunities in tourism and green tech sectors.
