Yan Fang and Yu Ping, two journalists with Nanjing-based Xinhua Daily, witnessed the holy moment of the flame collecting ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, Greece, on April 30. As journalists who follow every move about YOG, they have much to tell about this event.
Excitement flows in their veins whenever they talked about the experience in Greece. “When the High Priestess recited the eulogy to Apollo in Greek, all I could understand was the word Nanjing which was spoken twice and thrilled me twice”, said Yan.
The whole flame collecting ceremony was conducted in accordance with the tradition, from the costumes on priestesses, the dance, the lighting of the flame to the lamp. All were here for Nanjing, for 2014 Youth Olympic Games. The photographer Yu Ping mentioned, “The ceremony just makes you feel that it’s so natural for different cultures to merge into each other at this moment. Nanjing has been open to the world and the world has also recognized Nanjing.”
Back to the time when Nanjing won the bid for the 2nd Youth Olympic Games, most citizens had no clue about the event. Yan recalled one professor from Nanjing University, who helped prepare all the English documents for the bid. He predicted that this sports game would bring Nanjing tremendous changes and that Nanjing would pay much more attention to the environment. And he was right. Long before haze shrouded most Chinese cities in 2013, Nanjing had carried out a lot of effective measures to improve the environment. To welcome the coming YOG, over 400 pollution-related companies were shut down. What strikes reporters the most is that YOG triggered passion and relived dreams from ordinary people, from Nanjing citizens. There was this skating club which was made up by several old people, with the youngest 57 years old and the eldest 70. To promote YOG, they skated many places with a borrowed flag. More and more people are inspired to get involved with this big event.
Since the first flame collecting ceremony held by the new High Priestess is for Nanjing YOG, many Greek people know Nanjing for the first time. Nearly every one of them wants to visit the city, and also China.
When the big occasion finally kicks off in August, Nanjing will be completely ready. Nanjing welcomes all friends from the world.
