Changchun Winter Games officially ignited the "fire of knowledge"

China News Service, Changchun, October 14 (Reporter Guo Jia) The fire welcome ceremony for the Changchun 2027 33rd Universiade Winter Games (referred to as the "Changchun Winter Games") was held in Changchun on the 14th. The fire collected from Turin, Italy, lit the first torch and fire basin at the venue of this event.

On October 14, the first torch of the Changchun Winter Games was lit in Changchun, Jilin. Photo by Liu Dong

The “fire of knowledge” is the spark of the Universiade. Since 2018, Turin, Italy, has become the permanent home of the FIU’s “Fire of Knowledge”. Since then, every Universiade has to go to Turin to collect fire. The Changchun Winter Games fire was successfully collected in Turin on the 8th of this month.

At the welcome ceremony that day, 12 representatives from all walks of life participated in the fire lantern relay display, showing the style of builders from all walks of life in Changchun. Later, Chinese short track speed skating star Zhou Yang passed the tinder lamp to Changchun Mayor Gu Gang.

The members of the Fire Guard then lit the first torch "Jixiang" of the Changchun Winter Games. After Gu Gang took over the torch, he handed it to Hu Yuting, the governor of Jilin Province. Hu Yuting lit the fire basin, and the flames rose on the scene. The "Fire of Knowledge" carrying the ice and snow dreams of the world's youth was officially lit in Changchun.

On October 14, in Changchun, Jilin, the fire basin was lit during the Changchun Winter Festival. Photo by Liu Dong

Nan Chunhua, executive director of the Changchun Winter Games Large Events Department, said that the fire welcome ceremony is not only a continuation of the fire between Turin and Changchun, but also a bridge for cultural exchanges between China and Italy and for Chinese and foreign youth to enhance understanding. In the next step, the Changchun Winter Games Organizing Committee will pay close attention to the preparations for the torch relay and welcome young ice and snow athletes from all over the world.

The Changchun Winter Games will be held from January 15th to 25th, 2027. The event will be divided into the main competition area in Changchun City and the sub-competition area in Jilin City. (over)