National Games torch relay under way

The sun-ray ceremony of the 13th National Games. [Photo/ enorth.com.cn]

On August 6th, the sun-ray ceremony of the 13th National Games was held in Siyuan Square, at the estuary of Haihe River.

Praised by the people of Tianjin as "Mother River", Haihe River is the earliest residential area, ferry terminal and commodity distribution center of Tianjin.

Lyu Xiaojun, weightlifting champion of the 2012 London Olympics, carries the torch.[Photo/ enorth.com.cn]

At the ceremony, weightlifting champion of the 2012 London Olympics, Lv Xiaojun, carried the torch and lit the flame in bright sunlight.

The "National Games" yacht sets sail loaded with ignition lights.[Photo/ enorth.com.cn]

The National Games torch relay will begin on August 8th. The torch will be on display in 16 districts of Tianjin over 16 days, and will be introduced to the Olympic Sports Center Stadium in Tianjin on the opening day of the National Games on August 27. The total distance is about 56 kilometers.

The 600 torch bearers, from the Han, Hui, Manchu and seven other ethnic groups, will be composed of representatives from all walks of life in Tianjin and from sports circles. The youngest is 14, and the oldest 82.

The torch relay of the National Games started in the 4th National Games in 1979. It is the most important and extensive activity before the opening of the games.