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The following is issued on behalf of the Commission on Youth:
The Commission on Youth (COY) organised an exchange session with youths today (October 4). The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, attended the session to listen to and have a frank and candid exchange with young people on "Should Hong Kong Bid to Host the 2023 Asian Games?". The session was broadcast on the COY website and online questions were accepted.
Mr Tsang said, "The bidding for the Games will give the SAR Government an invaluable opportunity to fulfil our long-term policy objectives for sports. It is an investment for our younger generation as well as Hong Kong's future, demonstrating our long-term commitment to sports development.
"The successful hosting of the Asian Games will not only foster sports development in Hong Kong, but also help promote a spirit of perseverance among young athletes. Hosting the Games will also help strengthen Hong Kong's status as Asia's World City, stimulate economic activities, create job opportunities and advocate a healthy lifestyle, and thus bringing intangible but concrete long-term benefits," Mr Tsang added.
Mr Tsang said, "At today's youth exchange session, we listened to various views from young people, district personalities and athletes. The consultation period has now been extended to December 1, 2010. We will continue to gather and listen to views from various sectors."
The Chairman of the COY, Mr Chan Chun-bun, said that the COY would continue to organise exchange sessions and invite Government representatives to attend so that the youths would have more opportunities to exchange views with them on topics of concern.
Ends/Monday, October 4, 2010
Issued at HKT 20:16
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