Olympic torch relay in Sanya underway

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-04-2008 13:11

The Sanya leg of the Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay is underway. A resort city on the southernmost tip of China's Hainan Province, Sanya takes great pride in being the first leg of the torch relay on its return journey to the Chinese mainland.

Luo Baoming, governor of Hainan Province

Today's relay began at 9:30 on Sanya's Phoenix Island. A ceremony was held to mark the official start of the Olympic torch relay. A total of 208 torchbearers have been selected to run during the more than 30 kilometer route.

After stopping in 19 cities across 5 continents, the Olympic flame is now back in the Chinese mainland. Under Sanya's clear blue sky, the flame is attracting crowds of local people whose enthusiasm for the Beijing Olympics is skyrocketing.And Chinese people all over the country are becoming increasingly excited as the opening ceremony of the Games approaches.

As part of the starting ceremony of today's relay, BOCOG Vice President, Liu Jingming, handed the torch to CPC Hainan Provincial Committee Secretary, Wei Liucheng. The ceremony was broadcast live across the nation, to the great pride of the 8.4 million people of Hainan.

Luo Baoming, governor of Hainan Province, said, "With the blessing of peace-loving people all over the world and eagerly anticipated by 1.3 Chinese people,the Olympic flame symbolizing peace, friendship and hope will travel across China from Sanya. We feel greatly honored and proud. One world, one dream, guided by the burning flame, we hope to enjoy the passion and glory of the Olympic spirit and build a more harmonious and beautiful future together with people all over the world. We would like to convey our best wishes for the success of the Beijing Olympic Games. Good luck, China!"