As the world eagerly anticipates the opening ceremony of the Hangzhou Asian Games, a significant deviation from the norm has been announced. The illustrious sports event, which spans 16 days, has opted to exclude fireworks, a traditional hallmark of such grand ceremonies. The reasoning? A commitment to sustainability and the reduction of carbon emissions.
Sha Xiaolan, the chief orchestrator of the Games’ inaugural ceremony, elucidated this unconventional choice, “In aligning with a green philosophy for the Hangzhou Asian Games, we’ve decided to forgo the firework displays. Our objective is to tread lightly on the environment while hosting this magnificent event.”
Nevertheless, attendees can anticipate a captivating opening ceremony. The organizers plan to harness cutting-edge technology to mesmerize spectators at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Stadium, ensuring a spectacle that remains memorable sans pyrotechnics.
Hangzhou, the picturesque city nestled in East China’s Zhejiang Province, doesn’t merely want to host the Asian Games; they aspire to do so with zero carbon footprint. The commitment extends beyond just the opening ceremony. All competition venues are powered by green electricity, aligning with this noble cause.
A distinctive feature of the Hangzhou Asian Games is the emphasis on sustainable infrastructure. Out of 56 competition venues, 12 were constructed afresh while others were revamped or temporarily set up. One such marvel is the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Centre Aquatic Sports Arena. Notwithstanding its substantial water consumption, the arena stands as a testament to conservation. A state-of-the-art water treatment system allows the pool water to remain pristine for an entire year. Xu Lingchong, an arena official, extolled the filtration system’s proficiency, which ensures top-notch water quality and saves approximately 180,000 tons of water yearly.
The city’s dedication doesn’t end here. The Fuyang Water Sports Center, through a rainwater recycling system, conserves about 1,000 tons of water each month. Moreover, the handball venue at Zhejiang Gongshang University showcased resourcefulness by repurposing an almost new floor, which would otherwise have been discarded.
Sustainable practices also resonate in cost-saving strategies. The Jieshou Sports Center, primarily used for cycling competitions, opted for renting essential facilities instead of permanent constructions. This pragmatic approach resulted in considerable savings, with rented world-class racing tracks and non-permanent installations for spectator seating, lighting, and multimedia systems.
The traditional torch relay also received a digital makeover. By confining the offline torch relay within Zhejiang Province and introducing a digital torchbearer program, the organizers engaged millions virtually. This innovative approach will culminate in a digital light show during the opening ceremony.
According to Qiu Peihuang, a committee director, many venues will find continued utility post-Games, transforming into fitness hubs or cultural activity centers. Hangzhou’s Mayor, Yao Gaoyuan, emphasized that while meeting the competition’s requirements is crucial, the sustainable utilization of resources post-Games holds paramount importance.
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