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The following is issued on behalf of the 2009 East Asian Games (Hong Kong) Limited:
The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, had a busy morning today (November 28) when he visited various facilities to see for himself Hong Kong's preparation for the 5th East Asian Games (EAG), due to start in a week's time.
Met by the Chairman of the 5th East Asian Games Planning Committee, Mr Timothy Fok, and the Chief Executive Officer of the EAG (HK) Limited, Mr Johnny Woo, he started his tour by calling on the Main Operation Centre (MOC), set up at the Hong Kong Park Sports Centre to monitor the day-to-day operations of the two-week sports extravaganza which runs from December 5 to 13.
Mr Tsang was told that the MOC would be prepared for all sorts of incidents that may occur within or outside the 23 venues spread all over Hong Kong during competition time.
Next stop was the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai, where Mr Woo explained the security arrangements that will be in place for spectators coming to watch badminton and table tennis tournaments, two of the more popular sports in the 22 competitions on the programme.
Mr Tsang also inspected the Venue Coordination Centre and the TV Production Booth, since a number of crucial games, like the semi-finals and final, will be broadcast live.
A bit of light entertainment followed, as Mr Tsang and the official group took up seats to watch an amusing performance by the Games two mascots, "Dony" and "Ami". They were accompanied by 12 Japanese girls from the Golden Angeles Hong Kong Kids Cheerleading Club.
Hong Kong table tennis stars Tang Peng paired up with Jiang Hua-jun to take on another Hong Kong pair, Tie Ya-na and Ko Lai-chak, in a mock battle that drew cheers at every splendid point won.
As Mr Tsang met the players the venue was speedily transformed in a victory ceremony setup and a trial medal presentation was carried out.
The final stop for Mr Tsang was a visit to the stadium's doping control station where the Chief Medical Officer for the Games, Dr Julian Chang, explained the procedures that would be followed during competition time.
Meanwhile, full dress rehearsals were also staged at 10 other venues.
Ends/Saturday, November 28, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:11
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