OLYMPICS /
Newsmaker
Torch-maker can finally rest on his laurels
By Hu Yinan
China Daily Staff Writer
Updated: 2008-08-09 08:12
"I have developed a bond with the torch since the Ninth National Games in 2001," he said. "For a gas appliance maker like us, torch manufacturing is a great way to participate in sports."
Five years ago, Huang contacted BOCOG and expressed interest in manufacturing the Olympic torch. Now, his dream has come true; he even participated as a torchbearer in Guangzhou on May 7.
But when the devastating earthquake struck Sichuan five days later, Huang sold his torch and donated the money to benefit the quake victims.
Two days after the disaster, his company mobilized a team of 200 people, and carried 200 gas cookers and a truck full of wheat, rice and eggs to the most severely hit regions to cook for the victims.
With the opening of the Olympics, Huang is looking forward to a rest, but not for long.
"The Paralympic torch is my job too," he said. "It is still some days away, so for now, I plan to relax and enjoy the Games."