The PyeongChang Paralympics flame has arrived in Gangwon-do Province.
The relay is on with the global sporting event officially marking its start this Friday.
Won Jung-hwan reports.
The 2018 PyeongChang Paralympics Torch relay is on the road,… carrying the true meaning of 'let everyone shine'.
The relay aims to be a symbol of unity and companionship that overcomes the barrier between disabled and non-disabled.
8-hundred torchbearers will carry the torch during its 80-kilometer, 8-day journey-- the number eight symbolizing mankind's infinite potential.
"You cannot ride this unicycle without putting constant effort into it, and you have to fall and stand several times to go forward. Paralympic athletes have probably been doing the same,… as they would have had to give constant effort to reach this place."
Last week, eight Paralympic Torches that travelled from different areas such as Jeju, Anyang, Nonsan, and even one from the U.K.,... have been united into one in Seoul.
The Paralympic Flame Lighting Ceremony, which took place alongside the traditional Jeongwol Daeboreum full moon bonfire lighting, marked the beginning of the torch relay.
After traveling around Seoul over the weekend, the flame reached Jeongseon in Gangwon-do Province on Wednesday,… the venue for the alpine skiing events during the Paralympic Games.
The torch will travel through major cities in Gangwon-do Province, including Gangneung and Pyeongchang,… delivering the true value and emotion of the Paralympics, and showing that we don't live alone in the world, but live together shoulder-to-shoulder.
"The PyeongChang Paralympics is all about working together, with disabled and able-bodied friends,… so I think it is meaningful to walk together in this torch relay. My friend here is deaf, so this event is especially meaningful for us."
Unlike the Olympic torch relay, the Paralympic Torch is carried by teams of two torchbearers, symbolizing companionship and the need to support each another in pursuit of our dreams.
"When the Paralympics torch reaches the PyeongChang Olympic stadium on Friday, it will officially announce the start of the Winter Paralympics, where nearly 600 athletes from 49 countries will compete in six sports for 80 gold medals.
Won Jung-hwan, Arirang News, Jeongseon."
