Deep-sea flammable ice powers historic celebration in Guangdong, HK, Macao

For the first time in its 66-year history, the ceremonial flame of China’s National Games was jointly lit by leaders from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao, alongside national officials — demonstrating a strong joint commitment to the success of the event.

A grand torch-lighting ceremony for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games was held on Thursday in Guangzhou’s Nansha district, Guangdong province.

This milestone sees China’s largest comprehensive sports event entering its final preparation stage, with just 30 days remaining until the opening ceremony in Guangzhou on Nov 9. The flame will tour Guangzhou and Shenzhen in Guangdong, as well as the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions for torch relays scheduled in November.

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Previous National Games have been hosted by a single provincial-level region, including Guangdong in 1987 and 2001. This year’s joint effort is unprecedented and signifies a new peak in the integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu lit the flame on behalf of the Hong Kong SAR, and Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki represented the city to receive the flame.

In a social media post, Lee said he was delighted at participating in the ceremony. He reaffirmed Hong Kong’s commitment to seize this upcoming opportunity to promote sports development, demonstrate its capacity to host major events, and further drive integrated development within the Greater Bay Area.

Hong Kong Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui echoed this sentiment: “We are fully prepared and in high spirits, eagerly looking forward to working hand in hand with Guangdong and Macao to deliver a successful event.”

Flame from ocean floor

The source flame was created using flammable ice collected from the Haima cold seep in the South China Sea at a depth of 1,522 meters, marking the first time in history that the catalyst of a “source flame” had been directly obtained from the ocean floor.

“The successful torch-lighting demonstrates a breakthrough in in-situ collection technology for deep-sea flammable ice, enabling the extraction of a ‘source flame’ from more than 1,500 meters underwater,” said Chen Zongheng, an official with the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey.

Chen said scientific researchers aboard a research vessel located cold seep vents and remotely operated a device to collect gas hydrates from the seabed. Through pressure reduction, the hydrates released gas, which was dried and sent to a combustion chamber specially designed for the collection of the primordial flame.

After synthesizing flammable ice, also known as methane hydrate, the team used a pressure reduction device to obtain decomposed gas and relied on electricity from a solar photovoltaic power system to achieve deep-sea ignition, Chen said.

The achievement brought to life the spectacular vision of “fire and water coexisting in harmony”, symbolizing the integration of clean energy sources such as flammable ice and solar power with advanced deep-sea exploration technologies and equipment.

It also underscored Guangdong’s strategy of “prospering and growing stronger through the ocean”, showcasing the technological strength and innovative confidence of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to the world.

Lee also noted the profound symbolism of the “source flame”, emphasizing its significance as a major national breakthrough in deep-sea exploration.

The ceremony took place at the scientific research pier of the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, located at the mouth of the Pearl River.

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Senior officials from central, provincial and city governments attended the event, including Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Party chief of Guangdong province; Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport; Zhou Changkui, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation; and Macao Chief Executive Sam Hou-fai.

In a news release, the Macao SAR government also pledged to work closely with Guangdong and Hong Kong to ensure smooth preparations and a successful event.

The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will run from Dec 8 to 15. The opening ceremonies for both will also be held in Guangzhou, and the closing ceremonies in Shenzhen.

Contact the writers at zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn