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The Youth Olympic Games Torch

The Youth Olympic Games Torch - also known as the “Gate of Happiness” - was designed by Vatti Corporation Ltd., the design company for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad in Beijing 2008 and The 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou 2010.

The top part of the torch is designed to resemble a city gate, with bright blue going up the body of the torch and passing through the city gate, symbolising the peaceful tranquility of Nanjing, an ancient city rich in its civilisational history.

A stripe pattern at the handle symbolises the water waves of Changjiang River, which seems to murmur the folklore and legends of this riverside city of Nanjing.

The city gate at the top of the torch not only stands for the centuries-long history of Nanjing but also indicates the city’s wish of showcasing its profound traditions and great achievements.

The overall design of the YOG Torch is full of dynamic beauty, illustrating the gesture of opening up, by which Nanjing City and its people express their desire to “throw open” both the city gate and the heart of its people to the international community.

By hosting the YOG, Nanjing is ready to welcome the young generation of the world to this time-honoured city to work together for a better future for all.

Many challenges were encountered manufacturing the torch, especially the composition of the "gate" and assembling it. The most difficult part was in achieving the look of a “gate” and yet to ensure that mass production of its components and parts as well as the reliable assembly of every piece was feasible. In the designing and manufacturing of the Youth Olympic Games Torch, Vatti upholds its principle of pursuing excellence and perfection. They seek to fulfill the goal of zero extinguishment, taking into consideration, every possible contingencies during the Torch Relay.

After repeated experimentations and painstaking research, Vatti eventually succeeded in developing the “Gate of Happiness” for the Youth Olympic Games, with its combustion capable of resisting a maximum wind speed of 11m/s; maximum rainfall of 50 mm/h; highest altitude of 4,500 meters and temperatures ranging from -15˚C to 45˚C.

The “Gate of Happiness” fulfills every requirement of the Youth Olympic Games in terms of its quality, standards, special demands and laying down a firm foundation for the upcoming Torch Relay.