Starting Ceremony of Beijing 2022 Paralympic Torch Relay in Zhangjiakou

The torch relay for the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games was held in Zhangjiakou on Thursday morning. The four relay sites included Zhangjiakou Citizen Square, Chongli Thaiwoo Ski Resort, Nuanquan Ancient Town and the Guanting Reservoir National Wetland Park. A total of 92 torchbearers are expected to take part in the torch relay.

The torch relay in Zhangjiakou started from Chongli Thaiwoo Ski Resort, covering a distance of 1.2 kilometers, and was completed by 12 torchbearers. This is the only time that the torch relay of the Winter Paralympic Games will be carried entirely on snow. 

Chongli is one of the important venues for the Beijing Winter Paralympics. The early snowfall, thick snow cover, and long snow season have created conditions for the development of skiing. As ice-snow tourism has developed into a pillar industry of Chongli, it is not hard to feel the enthusiasm of Chinese people participating winter sports there.

The torchbearers participating in the torch relay in Zhangjiakou come from all walks of life, including medical workers who have made outstanding achievements in the fight against COVID-19, staff who serve the disabled, sports fraternity and representatives of the disabled.

Ding Yukun, a representative of the disabled who participated in the torch relay in Zhangjiakou Citizen Square, founded the "Home for Hope" social work service center with the help of others. It aims to organize training for the rehabilitation of the disabled and provide support for more people in need.

"I received love and help from many people when I was in difficulty. Now, I also want to contribute to society, to pass on the warmth and love to more people in need," Ding said.

Aotegenghua, a farmer and herdsman from Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region who participated in the torch relay in Huailai Guanting Reservoir National Wetland Park, is engaged in sand control and greening in the Kubuqi Desert. Over the past 20 years, she has witnessed 5000 acres of desertification land become green and full of vitality. 

"'Green and clean' is one of the concepts of the Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, which China has promised to deliver to the world," said Aotegenghua.

After the torch is passed in the Guanting Reservoir National Wetland Park, it will be passed at the next point in Beijing Expo Park.


Global Times