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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) today (August 7) officially announced in Beijing that Durban in South Africa was selected the host city of the 123rd IOC Session to be held in 2011.
The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, said he was disappointed that Hong Kong's bid for the right to host the 2011 IOC Session was not successful. Nevertheless he said he respected the IOC's decision.
Mr Tsang said that with keen competition among the seven bidding cities, Hong Kong presented well as one of the two finalists. The bidding exercise offered a meaningful occasion to meet all IOC members to exchange views and share experience, he said.
The government will continue its efforts to foster sports development in Hong Kong - to promote sports in the community, develop elite sports, and make Hong Kong a major location for international sports events, Mr Tsang stressed.
¡@¡@He also expressed his gratitude to the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and the 2011 IOC Session Bid Committee for their hard work and congratulated Durban on its successful bid.
Ends/Thursday, August 7, 2008
Issued at HKT 13:05
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