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The switch-on ceremony of the annual Sha Tin Festive Lighting was held today (December 1). To welcome the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and the Olympic equestrian events to be held in Hong Kong, Olympic promotional messages have been incorporated in the lighting and lantern display in Sha Tin for the enjoyment of the public during the Christmas and New Year festive season.
Officiating at the switch-on ceremony in Sha Tin Park today, the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Carrie Yau, said most of the lighting this year used light-emitting diodes (LED) which was not only environmental friendly but also fully illustrated the spirit of a Green Olympics.
"The Beijing Olympic Games is the first-ever Olympic Games held on Chinese soil and Hong Kong is presented a precious opportunity to co-host the Olympic equestrian events. As one of the equestrian venues is located in Sha Tin, residents in Sha Tin can experience the Olympic atmosphere and share the joy of the Olympic Games more strongly and directly. The Planning Committee on Festive Lighting in Sha Tin will launch Olympic-themed lighting in summer next year to welcome the competitors and audience," she said.
Mrs Yau called on the public to support and actively participate in Olympic promotional events to promote the Olympic spirit and Hong Kong's vitality and vibrancy with a view to co-hosting the most successful equestrian events in Olympic history.
Held annually for the 24th year, the Sha Tin Festive Lighting is organised by the Planning Committee on Festive Lighting in Sha Tin, co-organised by the Sha Tin Arts Association in association with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and sponsored by Sha Tin District Council. Every year during Christmas and New Year, glittering lighting is displayed at main thoroughfares in Sha Tin and Ma On Shan and along the Shing Mun River to enhance the festive atmosphere. The theme of the lighting this year ties in with the promotion of the 2008 Olympic Games.
Other officiating guests at the switch-on ceremony included the Chairman of Sha Tin District Council, Mr Wai Kwok-hung; Sha Tin District Officer, Mr Andrew Lai; Chairman of the Planning Committee on Festive Lighting in Sha Tin, Mr Wu Wing-kuen; Chairman of Sha Tin Arts Association, Mr Chow Ka-kong; Police District Commander (Sha Tin), Mr Stephen Cheng; Chairman of Sha Tin Rural Committee, Mr Mok Kam-kwai; District Leisure Manager (Sha Tin), Mr Lee Chaw-sing, and representatives of major sponsors.
Ends/Saturday, December 1, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:31
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