Changchun:The Winter Universiade flame lantern was carried into the Changchun History and Culture Museum, having journeyed from Turin, Italy, where it was kindled on October 8. This marks a significant event leading up to the 2027 Winter Universiade, which will be co-hosted by Changchun and Jilin City in northeast China's Jilin Province.
According to Namibia Press Agency, twelve individuals were selected to pass the lantern from hand to hand, representing various sectors of the community such as firefighting, delivery services, education, aviation, law enforcement, banking, insurance, and skilled trades. The organizers emphasized that this selection symbolizes the inclusive spirit of the Universiade flame, belonging to everyone contributing to the city's development.
Zhou Yang, a three-time Olympic short track speed skating champion, was the last to receive the lantern and passed it to Changchun Mayor Gu Gang. Zhou reflected on the significance of the flame, describing it as a warm symbol of athletes' dreams and a heavy honor for its journey from Turin to Changchun.
The flame event was also attended by Nilava Darya, a Belarusian student at Jilin International Studies University, who expressed excitement and pride in participating. She welcomed young people worldwide to Changchun, a city she now considers her second home.
Among the audience was 90-year-old Gao Xiangchen, a figure skating enthusiast, who voiced his enthusiasm for the upcoming Universiade in Changchun. His daughter, Gao Yan, a former volunteer and torchbearer, highlighted the flame's representation of sportsmanship and the city's winter culture.
The "Flame of Knowledge" was kindled in Turin, where Universiade history began in 1959. The President of the International University Sports Federation (FISU), Leonz Eder, noted the flame's role in connecting the birthplace of the Universiade with its future hosts.
Scheduled to run from January 15 to 25, 2027, Changchun 2027 will feature 97 events across 12 sports, with freestyle skiing as the only snow sport held in both host cities. All competition venues will utilize existing facilities undergoing upgrades, and a significant volunteer force is being assembled.
Nan Chunhua, involved in the flame collection in Turin, described the flame's journey as a bridge linking the two cities. The lantern's passage concluded with the lighting of the Games' torch, "Jixiang," and the cauldron "Zhuxue Yangyan" by Jilin provincial governor Hu Yuting.
Zhou Yang hopes for the continual improvement of China's sports, particularly winter sports, and that visiting athletes will experience the warmth of Changchun's people.