After touring 19 countries, Hong Kong, Macau SAR in its globe-trotting trek, the Olympic flame arrived at Sanya, the famous seaside city at the southernmost tip of China. Starting May 4, the 2008 Beijing 2008 Olympic torch relay resumes “journey of harmony” throughout 113 cities on Chinese mainland.
At 8:30 a.m., the starting ceremony was hold at the Fire Phoenix Square of the Phoenix Island in a jubilant atmosphere. Balloons and airplanes with national flags were hanging everywhere and actors were singing Sanya’s city song: "Please Come to Tianyahaijiao".
The torch relay officially kicked off at 9:40 a.m. BOCOG’s Executive Vice President LIU Jingmin lit the first torch and passed it to the first torchbearer, China's short track speed skating Olympic champion Yang Yang.
As the second torchbearer, Mr. LI Lihui, President of Bank of China lit up his Olympic torch from Yang Yang. After 200 meters, he passed the flame on to the third torchbearer, YI Jianlian, celebrated basketball player.
President Li said, “Hainan is my second hometown. And Bank of China nominates me as Olympic torchbearer. It is a great honor for me to participate in torch relay on behalf of all BOC employees!” Moreover, he was much delighted to pass on the Olympic flame between a World champion and a celebrated basketball player.
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