Olympic torch relay ends first Chinese mainland leg in Sanya

SANYA, South China, May 4 (Xinhua) -- The Beijing Olympic torch relay in Sanya, the first leg in the Chinese mainland, concluded on Sunday.

The famous film star Jackie Chan and Pu Huifang, head of a small wown in Sanya, who ran as the last torchbearers, kindled the cauldron at 5:56 p.m. local time at the scenic spot of Tianya Haijiao, prompting loud cheers and applauses from the spectators.

"I felt extremely excited and honored at this moment, and I hope the torch pass on the love and friendship to the world," said Chan.

Pu, a woman of Li minority, said she, as a common local citizen, was lucky enough to be a torchbearer, and even more lucky to run as the last torchbearer, especially together with the world famous star Jackie Chan. "At the moment when I received the torch, all the nervousness and excitement has gone, and the only faith is to run steadily to the finish line and accomplish my duty," Pu added.

A closing ceremony was held at the Tianya Haijiao. Yang Lan, host of the ceremony and also a torchbearer in Sanya, said the Beijing Olypmic flame, which undertook expectations and beautiful wishes, would continue to ignite the ecstasy of China and the world starting from the romantic city of Sanya.

The torch relay connected 84 million Hainanese with the people all over the world, and the Olympic spirit would inspire all the Hainan people for a more beautiful tomorrow, said Lin Fanglue, vice governor of Hainan Province at the ceremony.

Liu Jingmin, executive vice president of the Beijing Olympic Games Organizing Committee, highly praised the Sanya leg torch relay. "The enthusiasm of Hainan people gave me very deep impression," said Liu, "It is the sweat and passion of Hainan people that made today's torch relay a full success."

A total of 208 torchbearers, including officials, businessmen and star figures like basketball star Yi Jianlian and movie star Zhang Ziyi ran through the city, which boasts many beautiful spots such as the Crown of Beauty Center, Haiyue Square of Sanya Gulf and Haihong Square.

The relay included beach running, three-tandem cycling and Taiji performances, which highlighted Sanya's tropical seaside landscape and Chinese culture.

During the 8-hour torch relay, tens of thousands local people lined the 30.9-kilometer route, waving national and Olympic flags, and chanting support for the Beijing Olympic Games.

A total of 624 torchbearers will cover the 91.63-kilometer route in Hainan Province, passing landmarks in Wuzhishan and Wanning cities, before the sacred flame arrives in the capital city of Haikou on Tuesday.