
Light the fire! The World Games will have for the first time a torch this year. The International World Games Association (IWGA) has announced that a relay will take place, “adding a new dimension to this prestigious multi-sport competition”, from July 26. The competitions will begin on August 7 in Chengdu, China. The torch creation competition has sparked more than 270 proposals from Chinese designers. The final version "is inspired by Sichuan's iconic bamboo forests, which symbolize resilience and growth, while its elegant and fluid form » is a tribute to the ancient Sanxingdui civilization. The torch contains jade elements representing "purity and fairness in sport". The green and silver colours of the torch highlight "Chengdu's commitment in favor of sustainability and innovation ». Final detail: a phoenix-shaped bird, at the base of the object, to embody "the high aspirations of athletes in search of greatness". The creation of this torch "marks a decisive moment in history » of the World Games according to IWGA President Jose Perurena.