For centuries, torches, flames, have been used to signify the beginning of International sporting events. This January, when the World University Games take over Lake Placid, the torch will be a bit different.
It has a special meaning to help highlight the importance of the Adirondack region.
“A torch embodies brightness, energy and strength, reflecting the qualities that university athletes personify," a speaker at a special event in Torino, Italy said.
From the home of University Sport, Torino, Italy, to Pier 45 in New York City, and around all of New York State…
“We melted some ice over that flame and it turned into water. We poured it into the torch and the water gave life to the torch that we have here," FISU World University Games Head of Legacy and Sustainability Karlan Jessen said.
…to its home through the World University Games this January, Lake Placid.
“The torch is actually the vessel that the spirit of the games travels in,” she added.
Karlan Jessen is the the head of the FISU World University Games Legacy and Sustainability efforts. She’s showing us just how different this torch is compared to anything University or even World Sport has ever seen before.
“The torch for the 2023 Lake Placid World University Games is unique in every way. It’s the first time that there will be a completely carbon-free and fossil fuel-free torch for one of these games," she said.
On January 12, this torch’s “flame” will light the cauldron and mark the beginning of 2023 World University Games. Then, it will transform into something even more important.
“The blue of the torch symbolizes ice and water and the power of both,” Jessen said in the blue glow.
The near two-foot torch actually produces an LED light flame, highlighting the game’s focus on sustainability while also limiting its impact on the climate. That is important because everyone here in the Adirondacks, knows how critical it is to save winter.
“This is the winter sports capital of the world. We know in order to keep that legacy going forward, you need to watch our impacts in every aspect,” Jessen added.
To further those efforts, FISU chose venues both here in Lake Placid and its surrounding communities to host events, because so many of them use hydro-electric power.
The torch was designed and built by Adirondack Studios in Washington County. It the same business that built the award podiums for the 1980 Olympic Winter Games.