Gyeonggi Province holds lighting ceremony and offers best wishes for success of Incheon Asian Games

◇ Gyeonggi Province held a lighting ceremony for the torch of Incheon Asian Games 2014, which arrived at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex at 6 pm on August 20, and offered best wishes for the success of the event. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Reporter Yu Je-hun

The torch for the Incheon Asian Games, which will commence this September 19, arrived at the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex on August 20.  

The torch relay, which began in Ulsan, passed through Ansan and Hwaseong, and arrived at the Gyeonggi Province Government Complex at approximately 6 pm. Gyeonggi Province held a lighting ceremony in the quad of its government complex, and offered best wishes for the success of this, the  largest sporting event in Asia, in which 23,000 athletes from 45 countries across Asia will participate.  

Park Su-young, Vice Governor I for Administrative Affairs of Gyeonggi Province, and Kang Deuk-gu, Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Speaker, received the torch from Park Seon-kyu, Torch Relay Squad Leader and lit a stationary flame on a platform in the quad of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex.

“Together with the residents of Gyeonggi Province, I welcome the torch, which was first lit in New Delhi of India and then combined with another flame set alight on Ganghwado Island, and finally arrived here after its 11-day journey. I sincerely hope the participation of athletes and supporters from the North in this event will serve as a stepping stone in the discussions of peace in Asia and in the planting of seeds for peaceful reunification.” said Vice Governor Park in his welcoming address.

“I hope the flame will burn away all your concerns and ignite new hope,” he added.

◇ The stationary torch, which was lit on a platform in the main quad of the Gyeonggi Provincial Government Complex, burns brightly. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Reporter Yu Je-hun

After illuminating Gyeonggi Province throughout the night, the torch will leave the complex on August 21, pass through Anseong and Pyeongtaek, and arrive in South Chungcheong Province.

A total of 595 torchbearers, including Park Seung-hi (Sochi Olympics gold medalist), Jo Hye-ri (Sochi Olympics gold medalist), Christina (broadcaster), Han Ki-bum (former basketball player), multicultural family members, mayors, and members of the National Assembly will take part in the torch relay in Gyeonggi Province, which covers 24.1 kilometers, passing through 11 cities and counties before arriving at Beodeul Square in front of Cheonan City Hall at 5 pm on August 21.

The torch was first lit on August 8 in New Delhi, India, and arrived in Incheon on August 13 via China; it was combined with another flame that was lit on Mt. Manisan, Ganghwado Island. The torch is scheduled to travel through 17 metropolitan provinces and cities as well as 70 cities and counties across the country.

The torch will be carried approximately 5,700 kilometers by some 4,000 bearers, following sea routes connecting the islands of Baeknyeongdo, Jejudo and Ulleungdo, as well as some historic roads of the Joseon Dynasty. The torch then will arrive at the Incheon Asiad Main Stadium on September 19. The “Light of Peace” will stay lit throughout the games.

Of the 36 sports events, ten programs including shooting, canoeing, and fencing will be held at stadiums in Gyeonggi Province, and approximately 120 provincial athletes will take part in the Asian Games, representing Korea. 

◇ Park Su-young, Vice Governor I for Administrative Affairs of Gyeonggi Province, and Kang Deuk-gu, Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly Speaker, light the stationary flame. ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News Yu Je-hun

ⓒ Gyeonggi G-News | Chun Kyung-nam ckn0403@kg21.net

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