TEN years ago, when China’s star hurdler Liu Xiang and four international students ignited the flame of the 26th Summer Universiade at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Nanshan District on Aug. 12, 2011, university athletes from all over the world started their 12-day sports gala in this young and energetic city.

With the slogan of “Start Here, Make a Difference,” the Shenzhen Universiade by then had broken the record for the number of participants — 10,624, including 7,155 athletes from more than 150 countries and regions, according to statistics on the International University Sports Federation’s website.

From the online and offline torch relay to the low-carbon opening ceremony featuring the “Gate of the World” stage design to the carnival-like closing ceremony in the Window of the World theme park, the Shenzhen Universiade impressed the world in many ways and highlighted the youthful vitality that characterizes both the image of Shenzhen and university students.

At the 2011 event, China topped the medal table with 75 gold medals, a total of 14 Universiade records were established, and the Universiade saw the first appearance of chess, weightlifting, golf and other events.

In addition to the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center as one of the main venues for the Universiade, more sport centers were built at that time. After the Universiade, the sports venues have continued to hold grand international events, such as the Shenzhen Open women’s tennis tournament and the Canadian Women’s Hockey League. Today they are also popular choices for locals to get exercises.

The 2011 Universiade has also brought great changes to Shenzhen, with the public transportation system significantly improved and a more pleasing city environment. The U Stations, a citywide volunteer-booth network launched for the 2011 Universiade, are still offering basic services in public venues like hospitals, museums, parks, checkpoints and libraries to locals and travelers. (Cao Zhen)