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Following the completion of the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games tonight (August 24), the Olympic Live Sites in Victoria Park and Sha Tin Park set up by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) were also concluded this evening.
At the Main Plaza of Sha Tin Park, the LCSD hosted the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Live Sites in Hong Kong, attracting thousands of people to witness the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games shown on TV screens.
Speaking at the Live Sites Closing Ceremony, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Thomas Chow, said, ˇ§The live broadcasts of the competition events on giant TV screens installed at the Live Sites during the Olympic Games have provided the public with the opportunity to cheer for athletes of all nations, and let Hong Kong people have a closer participation in the Games.ˇ¨
ˇ§Since the Games started on August 8, more than 100,000 people have visited the two Live Sites, watching the competitions and the stage performances with different cultural characteristics and taking part in a diverse array of sports and games stalls. Local and overseas art groups also performed at the Live Sites, reflecting the multi-cultural backdrop of Hong Kong. The ambience of the Games has reflected Hong Kong's status as a cosmopolitan city where Western and Eastern cultures converge.ˇ¨
Mr Chow noted that though Hong Kong athletes did not get any medals this time, they had strived hard for the best, breaking many Hong Kong records. Their exertion of Olympic spirit is worth esteemed by all of us.
Mr Chow pointed that the Olympic Games upsurge was yet to be over. He said, ˇ§The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games will begin on September 6, about two weeks later. At that time, an Olympic Live Site will be set up at the same location in Sha Tin Park.ˇ¨He hoped that members of the public would come again to show support to the athletes.
The closing ceremony started at 6.30pm and the atmosphere was heated up following a series of programmes by singers, and sports and cultural performances. Mr Chow presented souvenirs to representatives of the Civil Aid Service and Hong Kong St. John Ambulance. Mr Chow, the Director of Home Affairs, Mrs Pamela Tan, and guests then presented prizes to those schools that were awarded in the ˇ§Beijing 2008 Cheering Campaignˇ¨.
Guests and those participating in the ceremony shared the joy in watching the Games highlights and the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games. The two Hong Kong Olympic Live Sites were then accomplished after the ceremony.
Ends/Sunday, August 24, 2008
Issued at HKT 22:15
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