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Following is the speech (English only) by the Acting Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the Sport Sponsors Luncheon cum Excellence in Sports Marketing Awards Presentation Ceremony today (October 30):

Mr Hung, ladies and gentlemen,

I am delighted to be here today to be part of this very prestigious presentation ceremony. I don't often get an opportunity to be associated with a sport activity. But I strongly share the feeling of a former US Chief Justice, the late Earl Warren, when he said: "I always turn to the sports pages first, which record people's accomplishments. The front page has nothing but man's failures."

So the accomplishments were certainly there for all to see during the sports spectacle at the Sydney Olympics. How many countless millions of people around the world were mesmerised by the skill and prowess of the athletes, whether they were competing in the 100 metre sprint or diving from the high board?

Today, the Olympic Games not only epitomise the achievements of the world's best sportsmen and women, they showcase the value of sports marketing on a global scale. There were traditionalists who would prefer to see less emphasis on marketing and advertising; perhaps to have it removed from the sports arena altogether. But if that were to happen, would we have a repeat of those magic sporting moments from Sydney or the amazing sights and sounds we saw during the opening and closing ceremonies?

Similar scenes could be radiating from Hong Kong if we succeeded in our bid to host the 2006 Asian Games. A crucial role in helping to get us there and to further develop our athletes is sports sponsorship. The assistance of this corporate sector is particularly important in developing and promoting sport, whether it is for the staging of major international events, or supporting a particular sport or the athletes themselves.

Successful sports sponsorship relies on a partnership between the corporate sector and the sports community. But it goes much deeper than that. By developing a sporting culture in Hong Kong we are encouraging the young to participate in sports. This underlines the principle of fair play and team spirit which have been the engines of our success. We are also helping to build a healthier society - reducing medical costs, raising self esteem and community pride through sharing in international sporting events which in turn help to promote international harmony and goodwill.

The winners of the Excellence in Sports Marketing Awards are the ultimate example of the partnership and professionalism the corporate and sports community display in sports marketing. They also recognise the efforts of all the competitors.

This year the Awards coincide with "The Sports Movement", a campaign launched for the millennium by the Hong Kong Sports Development Board. The Movement encourages people to embrace the spirit of sport, such as teamwork, commitment and endurance in their everyday life to make Hong Kong a better place in which to live.

Indeed, none of us should lose sight of the fact that the people of Hong Kong, in partnership with the business community, have helped build our city to what it is today - a dynamic international financial and commercial centre. If the corporate sector can have the same belief and drive to develop sport, then we will be taking another step forward in improving the quality of life and the overall development of our society.

Thank you.

End/Monday, October 30, 2000

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