China News Service, Xi’an, August 16 (Reporter Zhang Yichen) The 14th National Games of the People’s Republic of China, the 11th National Paralympic Games and the 8th Special Olympics (hereinafter referred to as the 14th National Games and Paralympic Games) ) The first torch relay was held in Xi'an on the 16th.

　　It is understood that the torch relay of the Fourteenth National Games and the Paralympic Games adopted the "two fires in one" relay method for the first time, combining the torches of the National Games and the Paralympic Games into one.

From August 16th to September 12th, the torch relay was carried out in 14 stations for 28 days in Shaanxi Province, the whole distance was 72 kilometers.

The torch relay of the 14th National Games and the Paralympic Games "started" in Xi'an on the 16th.

Photo by Xi'an Executive Committee of the 14th National Games

　　The starting point of the first leg of the torch relay is at Yongning Gate of Xi'an City Wall, and the ending point is at Danfengmen Square of Daming Palace.

At 8:30, the starting ceremony of the torch relay officially began.

Olympic champion Qin Kai served as the first torchbearer of the first torch relay in the 14th National Games and the Paralympic Games.

Qin Kai held the torch in his hand and slowly ran off the ceremony stage. The torch relay of the 14th National Games and the Paralympic Games officially started.

　　According to reports, the torch design for the Fourteenth National Games and the Paralympic Games is based on a flying red flag, named "Flag." Dandan blossoms red and gorgeous.

Two emblems are printed on the front of the torch at the same time, which means "the two national games are equally wonderful."

　　The first leg of the torch relay is about 5.3 kilometers, passing through some landmark buildings and cultural monuments in Xi'an, highlighting the city’s profound historical and cultural heritage and implying the transition from history to the future.

On both sides of the relay route, onlookers sent applause to the torchbearers from time to time and wished the Fourteenth National Games and the Paralympic Games wonderful and complete.

　　Hao Shiling, a policeman from the South Labor Road Police Station of the Lianhu Branch of the Xi'an Public Security Bureau, said that it is both honor and excitement to participate in the torch relay as a representative of the grassroots police.

The city's public security police will work hard to build a safety barrier for the holding of various events and escort the success of the 14th National Games.

　　The 100 torchbearers who participated in the first torch relay came from all walks of life in Xi'an, including police, firefighters, teachers, doctors, nurses, cleaners, taxi drivers, and couriers.

　　"The National Games was held at my doorstep. Although I failed to participate in the first torch relay, I was also very excited to be selected as one of the torchbearers to'appear' in the next torch relay." Xi'an Institute of Physical Education Teacher Wang Shasha of the Football Academy said that the holding of the National Games will arouse people's enthusiasm for participating in fitness, and also provide assistance for the development of national fitness in Shaanxi Province.

　　It is also reported that the torch relay of the 14th National Games and the Paralympic Games has also been assisted by the "Beidou". The public can learn about "where the torch is" and the introduction of the torchbearer and scenic spots along the route through mobile terminals such as mobile phones.

　　The 14th National Games will be held in Shaanxi Province from September 15 to 27, 2021; the Paralympic Games will be held in Shaanxi Province from October 22 to 29, 2021.

(Finish)