On October 19th, during an interview, 18-year-old Chen Jiawei, a torchbearer for the 19th Hangzhou Asian Games and a world champion in jump rope, expressed his thoughts on a recent gift he received. “The gift is a sports outfit featuring the Chinese national flag. It represents a legacy I intend to carry on. I will strive to emulate my predecessor, Jinghui, and continue to bring glory to our country, showing the world the spirit of Chinese youth,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Chen mentioned the 15th National Games scheduled to be held in Guangzhou in 2025. He described it as a grand event for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, where youth can showcase their passion and contribute their energy. “I’m really looking forward to the games and plan to engage in volunteer services to help make the event even more successful,” he said.
The backdrop for Chen’s comments was the 2024 Guangzhou Adult Pledge Ceremony held on October 18th at the Guangzhou Patriotic Education Base. The event, themed “Building Dreams in the Bay Area, Embracing the Future Together,” brought together notable figures, including Olympic champion Yang Jinghui and local youth leaders in various fields, who were recognized as “Guides for Growth.”
During the ceremony, special gifts were presented to several young representatives, including Chen Jiawei and Jiang Haoyuan, a recipient of an innovation award in the 8th China International “Internet+” College Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition.
Since its inception in 1994, the Guangzhou Adult Pledge series has reached its 30th year, impacting over 4 million youth and becoming a standard rite of passage for generations entering adulthood.
Zou Jiabao, a medical student from Guangzhou Medical University, shared his own milestone experience. “Participating in voluntary blood donation at 18 is my gift to myself as I transition into adulthood, and it’s my first step in fulfilling my social responsibilities as a medical student. Doing something so meaningful at a young age is an experience I may not have again when I’m 28 or 38,” he reflected. “In the future, I will encourage my classmates to get involved in voluntary blood donation and community service to help advance the creation of a healthier China.”
Cui Songdong, one of the original organizers of the Guangzhou Adult Pledge activity, remarked on its evolution: “After 30 years, the Adult Pledge has developed into a social brand, becoming an essential part of the growth journey for Guangzhou youth. Through this ceremony, 18-year-olds receive education on patriotism and love for the party, which aligns with our original vision for the event’s development.”
