Zhang Yu

JeniZhang13@163.com

THE official medals for the highly anticipated 15th National Games were unveiled at a ceremony in Guangzhou, capital of Guangdong Province, yesterday.

The medals are named “Tong Xin Yue,” which perfectly encapsulates the collaborative spirit of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) as it strives to leap into a prosperous future.

The person in charge of the medal design team provided an in-depth look at these symbolic medals. For competitive sports events, the medal weighs 354.5 grams. On one side, the upper center features an emblem composed of petals representing Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. These petals overlap and twist to form a concentric ceremonial flower, a visual representation of the close ties between them.

Below the petals, a peony flower is lifted up, symbolizing the vigorous development of the GBA. It highlights how the area is thriving with the solid support of the motherland, contributing significantly to national rejuvenation.

On the other side of the medal, the Chinese white dolphin, the games’ mascot, holds a torch. Surrounding it, the number 15 is shaped like waves.

The medal for mass sports events is lighter, weighing 232 grams. One side features the emblem and the name of the specific sport event, while the other side has a relief of the Chinese white dolphin and Chairman Mao’s historic inscription — “Developing sports to enhance people’s physical fitness.”

In terms of details, the medal buckle adopts the concentric structure design of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, symbolizing the unity, solidarity, and common development of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

The edge of the medal is adorned with 66 patterns, representing the 66-year history of the National Games. The medal ribbon features a pattern of flowers, including peony, kapok, bauhinia, and lotus, with the emblem, venue, and time of the specific sport event symmetrically printed on both sides.

The 15th National Games is set to take place from Nov. 9 to 21, with events to be held across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao.

Guangzhou will host the opening ceremony and Shenzhen will host the closing ceremony.