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The Torch Relay of the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) was held smoothly today (August 29) with the theme and message "Light the Way to the EAG" spread to the community.
The Launching Ceremony of the Torch Relay was held at Kowloon Park Piazza with the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, as the officiating guest.
At the ceremony, singers-cum-torch bearers Mr Eason Chan, Mr Richie Ren, Ms Dadawa and Ms Chae Yeon, sang the theme song of the EAG "Be the Legend" and cheering teams staged performance, filling the atmosphere with joy and excitement.
Mr Tsang said today's Torch Relay was doubly significant as it was both a celebratory event for the National Anniversary and a prelude to the EAG. Noting that Hong Kong would host the largest ever EAG, he encouraged Hong Kong people to get involved in this prestigious international event so as to promote stronger sporting and cultural ties throughout the region.
After the Flame was brought into the venue of the launching ceremony, the flame attendants collected it from the tinder box to light the torch. Mr Tsang lit the cauldron with the torch and then passed the torch to the gold medallist from the men's individual road race at the Doha Asian Games, Mr Wong Kam-po, who started the Torch Relay.
A total of 65 torch bearers took part in the Torch Relay along the route of about 10 kilmoetres, traveling on foot or by vessel, passing through Austin Road, Nathan Road, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, across Victoria Harbour to Expo Drive East, Harbour Road, Expo Drive and reached the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai to promote the EAG spirit.
Cheering teams from schools of the 18 districts cheered on the torch bearers along the relay route.
The last torchbearer, Olympic wind-surfing gold medallist Ms Lee Lai-shan, carried the torch to the Golden Bauhinia Square and lit the cauldron, immediately followed by a closing ceremony.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Acting Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Stephen Lam, thanked each of the torchbearers and the people for their support. Mr Lam said that with its successful experience in organising the Olympic Equestrian Event last year, Hong Kong would demonstrate its ability again and make the best preparations for holding a successful EAG.
The extinguishing of the flame at the cauldron marked the conclusion of the 2009 EAG Torch Relay.
People can visit the Government homepage later tonight to review the Torch Relay.
The Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games will be held between December 5 and 13. Close to 3,000 elite athletes from nine East Asian countries / regions will vie for 262 gold medals in 22 sports. Both the number of sports and medals are the largest in the history of EAG.
Ends/Saturday, August 29, 2009
Issued at HKT 19:33
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