NAGOYA - A school-based torch relay for the Asian Games began in Aichi Prefecture on September 7, with students and other runners set to carry the flame through 14 schools before it reaches the main venue on September 16.
The 14 participating schools were selected from 73 that applied to take part in the relay.
At around 2 p.m. on September 7, a torch relay was held at Maetsu Junior High School in Nagoya's Naka Ward, where 15 student representatives ran around the school grounds.
Professional figure skater Kanako Murakami, a graduate of Maetsu Junior High School, also joined the event as a promotional runner.
The runners passed the flame with smiles as students, parents and others gathered at the school cheered them on.
"It was a lot of fun because everyone was cheering for us," said one participating student.
Third-year student Seiwa Okano, who served as a torch runner, said, "I was really nervous, but everyone cheered for me, and it turned into a very enjoyable day."
Murakami said the enthusiasm of the students had made the relay particularly meaningful. "Everyone's energy was so strong, and I think we were able to have a really good relay in terms of passing that passion on to the athletes when the competition begins," she said.
Torch relays will be held at the 14 schools across Aichi Prefecture from September 7 through September 15.
About 1,000 runners are expected to take part, carrying the flame before it is transported on September 16 to Mizuho Park Athletics Stadium, the main venue for the Asian Games.
Source: CBC
