TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's National Central University (NCU, 中央大學) ignited the torch for the 115th National Intercollegiate Athletic Games (NIAG, 全大運) Wednesday (Sept. 10) at the remote Svalbard Global Seed Vault (北極全球種子庫) in the Arctic. The unprecedented ceremony symbolized the origin of life and infinite hope, according to university officials. The ambitious international lighting reflects the games' executive committee's two-year mission to enhance social responsibility and global influence of Taiwan's premier collegiate athletic competition.
University President Hsiau Shu-san (蕭述三) emphasized that this year's games embody a spirit of being fearless and sustainable, perfectly aligning with the Taiwan Polar Institute's (TaiPI, 台灣極地研究中心) environmental mission. The Arctic torch traveled through deeply symbolic locations, including the historic Svalbard Church and TaiPI's remote offshore research station. These ceremonial stops represented humanity's origins and served as a prayer for global peace, connecting Taiwan's academic mission with universal values.
The university's Center for Space and Remote Sensing Research (太空及遙測研究中心) captured the historic Arctic ceremony using advanced satellite imaging technology. The torch will return to Taiwan for rekindling at Alishan (阿里山) among the Cou (鄒族) Tribe, Taiwan's indigenous people. The ceremony will honor indigenous culture through a traditional war sacrifice ritual, emphasizing the deep cultural roots of sportsmanship and competition. ◼