Olympic torch relay in Quanzhou underway

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-12-2008 12:34

The Olympic torch relay continues in East China's Fujian province. And this morning, the flame has been passed around the port city of Quanzhou, the second leg of the relay in the province.

Torchbearer Wang Jiasheng from Quanzhou sport bureau runs  with the torch during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch  relay in Quanzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, on May  12, 2008.(Xinhua/Zhang Guojun)

After the relay in the provincial capital Fuzhou, the flame arrived in the port city of Quanzhou last night. Coupled with this morning's pleasant weather, the local residents' enthusiasm for the flame was tangible everywhere.

The starting ceremony of this morning's relay was held outside a museum holding an exhibition on the historical ties between Taiwan and the Chinese mainland. As part of the ceremony, the torch was handed to secretary of CPC Quanzhou City Committee Xu Gang, much to the great pride of the crowds and the whole city.

The first torch bearer today was Wang Jiasheng a veteran track and field coach and also an excellent athlete. He was a member of the province's delegation at several consecutive national games and won silver in the jump competition at the inaugural national track and field tournament for university students.

Torch bearer Wang Jiasheng said, "I was so excited to be the first to run today. I'm also greatly honored to be able to spread the Olympic spirit of peace and friendship on behalf of 7 million Quanzhou people."