Blind torch bearer Xue Lanmei, the No.65 torch bearer in the Beijing Olympic torch relay Taizhou leg, eastern China's Jiangsu Province, on Monday expressed confidence to the recovery of quake-hit Sichuan Province.

"In the earthquake I witnessed and truly felt the spiritual strength of people in that region. I am confident that they will stand up and keep moving again for bright prospect," said Xue, the women's 70kg Judo champion in 2004 Athens Paralympic Games.

"The sacred flame unites Chinese people all over the world together," she added. "Those suffering the disaster will not and never be alone."

The Taizhou segment started at 8:00 am local time on Monday, and left for Yangzhou, the forth leg of the province, at 12:00 am.

(Xinhua News Agency May 26, 2008)