Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam announced on the 7th that the 'torch relay vehicle,' wishing for the success of the 105th National Sports Festival and the 44th National Para Games, set off energetically from the front yard of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government.
The torch is a combination of four flames: the official torch of the National Sports Festival, 'Fire of Harmony,' which was lit at Manisan in Ganghwa Island on the 3rd; the official torch of the National Para Games, 'Fire of Gaya Culture,' which was lit at Gujibong in Gimhae on the same day; as well as the previously lit 'Fire of National Defense' and 'Fire of the Universe.' These four flames were merged at the plaza in front of the provincial government on the 4th.
Originally, out of the nine sections, six were planned to be run by torchbearers to boost the excitement of the festival, with only three sections transported by vehicle. However, due to unfortunate rain, all torchbearer relays were canceled, and after a brief departure ceremony in front of the provincial government, all nine sections were conducted by vehicle relay.
The Changwon torch relay by vehicle, which started in front of the provincial government, continued through the following sections: ▲LH Entrance to Changwon Plaza Rotary ▲Changwon Plaza Rotary to Changwon Hospital Main Gate ▲Changwon Hospital Main Gate to Education Complex Intersection ▲Education Complex Intersection to Gyeonghwa Station Park ▲Gyeonghwa Station Park to Seolsan Korean Medicine Clinic ▲Seolsan Korean Medicine Clinic to Masan Coastal Road Starbucks ▲Masan Coastal Road Starbucks to IBK Bank ▲IBK Bank to Tire Bank, covering five sections in Changwon, two in Jinhae, and two in Masan.
The torch relay consists of a total of 105 sections and will travel throughout the province for four days from October 7 to 10. On the first day, all sections in Changwon, Goseong, Geoje, and Tongyeong will be conducted by vehicle relay. From the second day in Namhae, both torchbearer and vehicle relays will be combined, ultimately leading to the opening ceremony of the National Sports Festival at Gimhae Sports Complex on the 11th.
Hong Nam-pyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, stated, "The torch relay starting from Changwon brings a festive atmosphere to the province, and the torch flame carries the wishes of Changwon citizens for the successful hosting of the National Sports Festival." He added, "Changwon City will focus its administrative capabilities to provide maximum support and cooperation for the National (Para) Games."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
