The 2011 Universiade torch was unveiled in a flurry of colors and changing shapes on August 12, during a gala celebration held at the Shenzhen Stadium marking the one-year countdown to the sporting event.
The torch will be ignited at Beijing University and pass through 30 college campuses across the country before the Games open in August 12 next year, according to the Universiade organizing committee. The torch, which bears the Universiade logo, differs from most sporting events torches in that it contains rings that revolve in order to change shape.
Xue Mei, designer of "Ocean Heart", the Universiade medal, unveiled the gold, silver and bronze medals during the celebrations. The medals feature an inlaid conch shell. Xue is from the China Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Themed "Tell the world", the celebration was attended by more than 30,000 guests, including Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua and other provincial officials, college students, foreign consuls from Guangzhou as well as local sports and arts celebrities.
A neon clock over Shenzhen Stadium marked the start of the one-year countdown at 8 p.m. followed by a spectacular fireworks show. "We look forward to sharing the joy and friendship of the Universiade with the world," said Shenzhen Party Chief Wang Rong.
During the ceremony, a total of 365 citizens, each wearing a T-shirt with separate dates leading up to the Games, vowed to make their contribution to the event. About 60,000 people have applied for volunteer work for the Games.
"College students from around the world are welcome to the Shenzhen Universiade in 2011," added Mayor Xu Qin, reading from an invitation.
Venue construction for the event is already underway and Metro Line 3, which connects the main venues, is on schedule to be completed by the end of this year. The city is spending 20 billion RMB (2.94 billion USD) on transportation construction this year.
The 12-day 26th Universiade includes 24 disciplines and 306 events. A record 13,000 athletes and officials from 180 countries and regions are expected to participate. A Universiade Archery Championship attended by 300 athletes will be held in September.
