Paralympic torch relay concludes in Nanjing, Qingdao

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Source: CCTV.com | 09-02-2008 13:06

The Paralympic torch relay has wrapped up its journeys through the cities of Nanjing and Qingdao, along the "Ancient China" and "Modern China" routes.

The Paralympic torch relay has wrapped up its journeys through the cities of Nanjing.

Tuesday's relay in Nanjing started at the square of the Dr. Sun Yat-sun mausoleum, one of the city's most famous sites.

The first torchbearer was a disabled teacher of Education and Science at Nanjing Normal University.

Despite paralysis of the legs, Hou Jingjing demonstrated great tenacity and perseverance to become the first wheelchair-bound person in China to earn a doctorate.

After finishing her leg of the relay, Hou said the flame inspired her very much.

Hou Jingjing, first torchbearer of Nanjing leg of Paralympic torch relay, said, "Being a torchbearer makes me close to the flame, which inspires me to continue working hard in my career."

Clearly, Hou wasn't the only one inspired by the torch. Waving Chinese national flags and chanting slogans, thousands of spectators in Nanjing were just as excited as those who participated in the relay.

A total of 60 torchbearers carried the flame along a three-kilometer route, past the city's iconic landmarks.

The whole event lasted about one hour. Finally the flame arrived at the square of Xiaoling Tomb, where the last torchbearer Zhou Zengfu lit the cauldron.