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The 2nd Hong Kong Games, a territory-wide major multi-sports event in Hong Kong with 18 District Councils as the participating units, will be held between May 9 and 31. An opening ceremony to launch the event will be held at the Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground this Saturday (May 9).
The opening ceremony, to be officiated by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, will feature a parade of some 1,000 athletes from the 18 districts, a cheering team competition, the lighting of the cauldron, as well as performances by the Hong Kong Police Band and local pop stars.
East Asian Games (EAG) elements will be incorporated in the grand dance and drum performances during which the cultural characteristics of the nine EAG participating countries / regions and the 23 sports of the EAG are highlighted.
Participating in the opening ceremony will be a good opportunity to show support for this local major sports event and for the participating district athletes, a spokesman for the Leisure and Culture Services Department (LCSD) said today (May 7). People who have obtained admission tickets are advised to attend the ceremony as scheduled. Those who are unable to turn up on the day due to unforeseen circumstances may pass the tickets to relatives and friends so as to avoid wasting them.
The spokesman called on the ticket holders to the opening ceremony to allow ample time for travelling to the venue and avoid a last-minute rush before admission.
Admission will start from 6pm on that day. Each ticket admits one person. Ticket holders should enter the spectator stands via the specified entrance and take the seat in the specified zone with the same colour as their tickets. LCSD staff will be there to assist.
Ticket holders are strongly advised to take public transport. They may go to the sports ground by MTR - alight at the Tseung Kwan O or Hang Hau Stations; by bus - 296A, 296C, 296D, 296M, 692, 694, 792M, 796B, 796C, 796S, 796X and E22A; and by Green Minibus - 103M, 108A, 110. Signage showing the way to the venue will be put up at the two MTR stations and along the way. Ticket holders should avoid driving to the sports ground which does not provide public parking spaces.
They may browse the websites of related public transport organisations or call the respective hotlines (MTRCL: 2881 8888, KMB: 2745 4466, NWFB: 2136 8888, CTB: 2873 0818) for the latest transport services. They should also pay attention to transport advice issued by the Transport Department on the day or visit its website, www.td.gov.hk.
Upon entering the sports ground, members of the public should comply with the venue rules to avoid causing inconvenience to other spectators. They should maintain personal hygiene in the sports ground.
TVB-Jade will broadcast the ceremony at 10.30pm on that night.
Apart from the opening ceremony, the public can also support the 2nd HKG by taking part in the voting for "My Favourite Sporty District" and guess the "Overall Champion of the 2nd HKG".
Entry forms for the voting and guessing activities are available at District Leisure Services Offices (DLSO) and LCSD sports centres. The completed form should be returned to any DLSO or sports centre. Voting and guesses can also be made via the 2nd HK Games webpage, www.lcsd.gov.hk. The deadline is May 9.
For enquiry on the voting and guessing activities, please contact the LCSD's Major Events Section on 2601 7672.
Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2009
Issued at HKT 17:22
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