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A gathering of 32,000 packed the Hong Kong Stadium today (November 27) to attend a TV variety show "Welcoming the Delegation of Shenzhou-6 Manned Space Mission" to welcome with open arms Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haisheng and other members of the delegation.
Officiating at the show, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, said: "We are very excited to meet the two astronauts face to face. It is our great pleasure to have the opportunity to honour Astronauts Fei Junlong and Nie Haishing as well as the scientists, engineers and support staff who had made this trail-blazing space mission a success.
"Within only 13 years, China has become one of the few countries to master manned space flight technology. As Chinese, we are proud of our motherland's efforts and achievements," Mr Tsang said.
In an interview with students at the show, the two astronauts shared their experience and knowledge on the space flight, aerospace technology and science.
A film featuring the training of the astronauts, the space mission of Shenzhou-6 and the compiled videos taken by the astronauts during their flight was shown at the Stadium today, making it possible for the audience to share all those memorable historic moments. It is uploaded onto the dedicated webpage on the visit of the Shenzhou-6 delegation at: www.gov.hk/info/shenzhou6
The TV variety show was organised by the Home Affairs Department, sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, produced and broadcast live by the Television Broadcast Limited.
Hong Kong Jockey Club Chairman, the Hon Ronald Arculli, said the success of Shenzhou-6 clearly demonstrated how China had taken its place as one of the leading world powers in space exploration.
He said that sponsoring the TV show reflected the Club's continued commitment to serve the community by attending to social needs, and he hoped that more similar events could take place in future to enhance the public's interest and knowledge of space travel.
Ends/Sunday, November 27, 2005
Issued at HKT 16:25
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