Colorful and changeable in shape, the 2011 Universiade torch was unveiled Thursday night (Aug 12), when a spectacular celebration was held at the Shenzhen Stadium to mark the one-year countdown to the Games.
Bearing a Universiade logo, the torch is different from most used to herald sporting event in that rings forming the torch can be revolved to change shape, which means each torchbearer can have a unique Universiade torch.
The torch is expected to be ignited at Beijing University and passed through 30 college campuses across the country before the Games open Aug 12 next year, according to the Universiade organizing committee.
Fireworks illuminate Universiade mascot UU at Shenzhen Stadium on Thursday (Aug 11).
Xue Mei, designer of "Ocean Heart", the Universiade medal, and other celebrities unveiled the gold, silver and bronze medals during the celebrations. The medals feature inlaid conch shell. Xue is from the China Central Academy of Fine Arts.
Themed "Tell the world", the celebration was attended by about 30,000 people, including Guangdong Governor Huang Huahua and other government officials, college students, foreign consuls from Guangzhou and sports and arts celebrities.
A neon clock over the stadium marked the start of the one-year countdown at 8 p.m. and a spectacular firework show followed with the audience cheering and waving light sticks.
"We look forward to sharing the joy and friendship of the Universiade with the world", said Shenzhen Party chief Wang Rong.
