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Mr Wong Kam-po, the cycling team member of the HKSAR Delegation to the 11th National Games of the People's Republic of China, was invited to serve as one of the torchbearers at the 11th National Games Opening Ceremony Torch Relay held in Jinan Olympic Sports Centre, Shandong today (October 16). Mr Wong, together with other four torchbearers, relayed the final leg of the torch at the sports centre and jointly lighted the main torch erected inside the venue to signify the official opening of the 11th National Games.
Attending the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, said this was the first time that Hong Kongathlete was invited to be a torchbearer at the National Games Opening Ceremony Torch Relay. He said it was an honour for Hong Kongas well as appreciation and encouragement to the athletes. He said the HKSAR Delegation was very encouraged by Wong's involvement in the Opening Ceremony.
According to the organizer, a total of 11 torchbearers had taken part in the torch relay, symbolising the 11th National Games. The numbers of torchbearers were designed to increase gradually to signify the universal development of sports. The torchbearers came from all walks of life both in and around Shandong province embodying the ideal of "Harmonious China, Everybody's Games". Among them are 2008 Olympic Games gold medallists, including weight lifting woman champion, Liu Chunhong; gold medallist of men synchronised 3Mspringboard, Wang Feng; and champion of table tennis men team, Wang Hao.
Wong Kam Po will take part in 11th National Games between October 17 and 27, contesting in men's individual road race, men's track-point race and men’s team sprint of track cycling. He had won gold and bronze medals in cycling events in previous National Games.
Two Hong Kong athletes already took the lead in winning 11th National Games medals for Hong Kong yesterday (October 15). They are Alex John Hunter and Daniel Lee Chi-wo, winning a bronze medal each in the men's BMX cycling event and triathlon respectively.
Ends/Friday, October 16, 2009
Issued at HKT 22:37
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