Athletes and staff who attended the opening ceremony of China's 15th National Games, the country's first cross-boundary edition, have said they were impressed and deeply moved by the cultural pride, unity and patriotism showcased at the ceremony's activities and performances.
Chinese President Xi Jinping declared the 15th National Games open at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Center in Guangzhou, the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, on Sunday evening.
The ceremony featured all 37 delegations from across China, and the most symbolic moment came when torchbearers from Guangdong, the Hong Kong SAR and the Macao SAR jointly lit the Games' flame.
"It was a great honor for me to attend the opening ceremony on behalf of the Macao SAR delegation. I was thrilled and happy to be able to see General Secretary Xi Jinping," said Chio Hang U, an athlete from the Macao SAR.
"As the flag-raising began, everyone stood up spontaneously and sang national anthem in chorus. That moment was so sacred, and I felt so proud."," said Guangdong athlete Lin Longyuan.
Held under the theme "Shared Roots, Shared Heart, Shared Dream," the performance at the opening ceremony blended cultural elements with cutting-edge technology, earning praise from volunteers and spectators alike.
"The design of the opening ceremony was exceptionally ingenious, seamlessly blending the cultural characteristics of Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong SAR and the Macao SAR with modern technology. When the distinct features of the three regions came together in harmony, it was no longer a showcase of any single place, but a collective debut of a vibrant and innovative region," said Tan Wenchang, a volunteer from the Main Media Center.
The 15th National Games marks a milestone as the country's premier multi-sport event has been jointly hosted by Guangdong Province, the Hong Kong SAR and the Macao SAR, a practical demonstration of "one country, two systems" applied through sport.
"Every detail of the opening ceremony was stunning. We kept filming and couldn't stop. It ended so quickly, and we all wanted more. Now that we in Macao are so closely connected with the mainland and the HKSAR as part of the Greater Bay Area. It truly feels like our hearts are united," said Qiu Yingping, Macao team coach.
"I had been looking forward to this all the evening. I really wanted to see how the delegations of the three regions of Guangdong Province, the HKSAR and the Macao SAR would enter the stadium. When I saw the three delegations entered together, I felt so happy. We belong to the one family, and are part of the Greater Bay Area. When we work together, we can create something truly beautiful." said Luk Po-ling, a volunteer from the HKSAR competition zone of the 15th National Games.
Running through November 21, the Games feature 419 gold medal events in 34 competition sports for elite athletes, while 166 gold medals will be on offer in 23 amateur competitions and exhibition events. First held in 1959, the National Games is China's largest multi-sport event.
This edition features 34 sports and 419 events in the competitive program, as well as 23 sports and 166 events in the mass participation program.
Participants share thrilling experiences attending opening of China's National Games
