The torch relay for the 5th Special Olympic Games of China kicked off in Fuzhou on Monday.

The torch relay for the 5th Special Olympic Games of China kicked off in Fuzhou on Monday. [Chinanew.com]

Sweltering sunshine could not dampen local residents' enthusiasm for the event as thousands took to the streets along the Minjiang River Park to cheer the torch relay on Monday morning.

After a short period of spirited singing and dancing, amidst the cheers and screams of local residents, the first pair of torch bearers Chen Zihe, former table tennis world champion, and Lin Hangliang, the image ambassador of the 5th Special Olympics, started the relay along the riverside boulevard.

The relay in Fuzhou consists of 31 legs, and each leg was run by a pair - one abled person and one person with disability.

The torch relay will run through nine prefecture-level cities across the southeastern province and the second leg of the relay will take place in Putian.

The Special Olympic Games of China are held every four years. Under the theme of "Let's go forward together under the sun", the 5th edition will take place from September 19 to 25 in Fuzhou.