Torchbearer Yang Yang, a former short-track speed skating world champion, in the Universiade torch relay in Shenzhen yesterday.Sun Yuchen

Residents played a leading role on August 7th Shenzhen Universiade torch relay, which involved 267 torchbearers and covered coastal areas in Nanshan and Futian districts.

The 14-kilometer relay route covered landmarks such as Binhai Boulevard, Mangrove Nature Reserve and the memorial park of Shenzhen's 30-year reform and opening up in Lianhua Hill Park.

The first torchbearer, Sun Ying, an outstanding volunteer, received the torch lit by Vice Mayor Zhang Wen at Haiyun Park at Shenzhen Bay and ran the first 80 meters.

"I learned I was selected to be a torchbearer when I was teaching in a mountainous area in Guizhou Province," she said. Sun has long been dedicated to voluntary teaching in the remote and underdeveloped area of the province.

Sun's happiness was shared by Chen Ailing's five-member family, which was one of the 25 families participating in the relay.

"It is a rare opportunity to be part of the Games' torch relay and my family is so excited," said Chen, whose husband was one of the torchbearers.

Among the torchbearers were migrant workers and celebrities from all fields, including Lang Lang, a world-renowned pianist, and Yang Yang, a retired short-track speed skater who had claimed numerous world championships. Yang is now employed by Tencent in Shenzhen.

The torch relay will continue in Longgang District on Thursday, the day before the official opening of the Games. Representatives from 60 countries and regions have confirmed their participation in the relay.

In May, the torch relay went through Beijing University, Shenzhen University and Guangzhou University Town.