CHENGDU, China, July 30, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A Xinhua report:
On July 28THE Chengdu The 2021 FISU World University Games have officially begun, captivating university athletes from various parts of the world with an opening ceremony that seamlessly blended historical and cultural elements with youthful passion.
The cultural shows presented Chengdu unique cultural characteristics, the “immortal sun and birds” being a symbol of Chinese cultural heritage and a spiritual emblem. From the very first second of the countdown to ignition, the presence of the “Sun and the Immortal Birds” captivated the audience until the ultimate moment of ignition. “Sunlight,” serving as the central element, permeated the entire opening ceremony. Without the “Sun and the Immortal Birds”, the grand finale of the lighting of the flame would not have been possible. The opening countdown began amid the radiance of the “Immortal Sun and Birds”, not only demonstrating the harmonious and inclusive spiritual character that the Chinese people have embraced since ancient times, but also expressing their best wishes for university students around the world to shine as bright and warm as sunlight.
The opening ceremony combined the sense of technology with artistic beauty. During the entrance segment, colorful silk threads were thrown across the floor, creating a stunning display of traditional Chinese patterns formed by more than 300 circular lines that adorned the entire stadium track. This symbolic imagery represents the aspirations of young athletes around the world as they embark on a glorious journey paved with the splendor of Shu embroidery. The guide boards held high by the ushers were made of Shu brocade, a renowned textile originating from the Chengdu region, with a history of over 2,000 years. Shu brocade is one of the four prestigious brocades of China. Meanwhile, Shu embroidery, one of the four famous embroideries of Chinahas a history of over 3,000 years, originating in the Chengdu region. Shu embroidery and Shu brocade are considered treasures of the region.
On the occasion of the 31st edition of the FISU World University Games, 31 torchbearers were selected to light the flame tower. Among them, the illustrious Chengdu astronaut, Ye Guangfu, shone as a notable figure. Recognizing astronauts as the “closest beings to the sun”, chief director Chen Weiya harnessed the brilliance of sunlight, turning it into a dazzling inferno. After the 31 torchbearers completed the lighting together, the Sun and the Immortal Birds shone with breathtaking brilliance. They spiraled and rose, lighting up the 12 golden fireworks in the sky. Eventually, they lit the tower of flames outside the stadium.
During the fireworks, the chief designer of the opening ceremony fireworks, Cai Canhuang, aptly named it “Golden Dreams”. Golden fireworks lit up the sky, accompanied by welcome messages in Chinese and English. Like the tower of flames Chengdu The 2021 FISU World University Games were lit, the fireworks displayed the U-shaped emblem of the Games and the English theme “Make Dreams Come True”. The firework artfully depicts the image of a golden hibiscus flower, representing the city flower of Chengdu. Beyond symbolizing youth and vitality, the hibiscus also embodies the values of openness and friendliness, expressing the theme of “welcoming flowers”.
The FISU World University Games Chengdu 2021 will feature a total of 18 sporting events and is scheduled to end on August 8. With athletes from 113 countries and regions, an impressive 6,500 athletes will compete in these 18 sports.
SOURCE Xinhua
