Integrated torch relay to set off in Shaanxi

This year, the 14th National Games, the 11th Paralympic Games and the 8th Special Olympic Games of China will be held in the same city, Xi'an, capital of Northwest China's Shaanxi province.

Prior to the formal competitions, an integrated torch relay for the three events is set for Aug 16.

The lantern to carry the mother flame [Photo provided by the organizing committee of the three games]

"The merging of the torch relays may give more attention to the latter two games and athletes with disabilities, and therefore promoting disabled people's development," said an organizing committee officer Yang Wen.

The torch relay event will be carried out across 14 cities of Shaanxi and will last for 28 days. The torch tower of the 14th National Games is expected to be ignited on Sept 15, and that of the Paralympic Games and Special Olympic Games is to be kindled on Oct 22.