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The following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, at the 16th East Asian Games Association Council Meeting Opening Ceremony today (October 21):

Mr Yagi, Timothy, Members of the East Asian Games Association, and Distinguished guests,

Good morning everyone. We are deeply honoured that the East Asian Games Association has chosen Hong Kong to be the host of its 16th Council meeting. On behalf of the HKSAR Government, I welcome you all to our city. I am sure that you will be convinced towards the end of your visit - if not earlier - that you have indeed made the right choice!

A month ago, I was in Sydney attending the 2000 Olympic Games. Although I am no sports maniac, watching the glamorous Opening Ceremony and spectacular Olympic sports events do leave a lasting impression. The Sydney Olympic was memorable not only because of the super-charged atmosphere that swept the entire city and, indeed, the entire world. But I was equally impressed by the superb job done by our Australian friends in making flawless arrangements in terms of transport, security and hospitality for all participants in the Olympic Games. That certainly wasn't an easy task. My team and myself are eager to apply what we have learned from Sydney to the full - that is, if we have the honour of hosting the Asian Games in the year 2006!

The proud achievements of many teams from East Asia in the Sydney Olympics speak most eloquently of the rise of our Region in the international sporting arena. We in Hong Kong are of course extremely proud that Mainland China came third in the medal standing. But at the same time, we also share the joy and pride of many other East Asian teams whose athletes broke new records or achieved personal best in the Olympics. I am doubly encouraged to see that, while the world is still soaking in the immense Olympic heat, your Council is already gathering here to map out a new sports development strategy for the people of East Asia today.

Since its formation in 1992 in Beijing, the East Asian Games Association has been instrumental in promoting sports development, improving the performance of athletes and fostering sporting spirit in the Region. Your dedication and commitment are highly commendable. I am sure members of the Association are proud to see that many of the East Asian Athletes can now compete confidently with their counterparts from the rest of the world and share the glory of the medal podium.

I would also like to congratulate the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, and particularly its President, Timothy, on their efforts in bringing this important meeting to Hong Kong. This not only demonstrates Hong Kong's strong support for the Olympic Movement, but also gives us an opportunity to show our friends in the Region our confidence and determination in hosting the 2006 Asian Games.

I understand that you will have a very busy day. But I do hope you will be able to spare some time to look around our city and find time to relax out of your tight meeting schedule. I wish you well in your deliberations and to all our overseas visitors, I wish you a very enjoyable stay in Hong Kong.

Thank you.

End/Saturday, October 21, 2000

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Photo: The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan (middle), addressing at the opening ceremony of the 16th East Asian Games Association Council Meeting at the Furama Hotel. The Games will be held in Osaka in May, 2001.