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A countdown ceremony for the 4th Hong Kong Games (HKG) was held at Olympian City 2, West Kowloon today (April 9), signifying that the Games is ready for kick-off.
Officiating at the countdown ceremony, Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Mr Raymond Young said that the HKG is a highlight of Sport for All, which enhances public participation in sports, and hence helps build a healthy society.
He urged members of the public to actively participate in the Games and make use of different channels to support this local mega sports event.
The 4th HKG will take place from April 27 to June 2. Preliminary competitions for some of the sports have been taking place since April 1. Over 3 000 athletes are geared up for the Games in a bid to win competitions in eight sports, namely athletics, badminton, basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.
The organising committee hosted a series of elite demonstrations and exchange sessions for the HKG athletes from the 18 districts in February and March, which offered a practical guide to improving techniques. A spectacular 18-district cheering team competition was also held on March 3 to add to the joy. Exciting trailers were uploaded to the HKG-designated website for public viewing.
Other public participation activities include the Dynamic Moments Photo Contest, voting for My Favourite Sporty District and guessing the Overall Champion of the 4th Hong Kong Games. Members of the public are encouraged to join in.
The closing date for entry form submission is April 27, and that for online submission is May 12. Entries for the Dynamic Moments Photo Contest should be submitted to the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) by June 10. Please refer to the Games' dedicated homepage for details.
The latest version of the Games' TV API (Announcement in the Public Interest) was also premiered at the ceremony and will be broadcast from this evening on television, buses and trains, as well as at LCSD venues, to enhance the Games' ambience.
The opening ceremony of the 4th HKG will be held at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground on April 27. Special programmes include performances by the People's Liberation Army Hong Kong Garrison and the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong, and a grand illusion show by Avon Lee. London 2012 Olympic Games gold medallists Ms Wu Jing-yu (women's taekwondo) and Mr Dong Dong (men's trampoline), and local elite athletes including cyclist Sarah Lee Wai-sze will take part in lighting the Games cauldron as special guests.
Free admission tickets will be available at the District Leisure Services Offices of the LCSD in the 18 districts from April 12. Each person may obtain only two tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets to the opening ceremony for community organisations, students of primary and secondary schools and their parents will be arranged through the 18 District Councils and the LCSD. Please hold onto your tickets and show up for this major Hong Kong sports event.
The 4th HKG is organised by the Sports Commission and co-ordinated by the Community Sports Committee with the 18 District Councils, the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF & OC), relevant National Sports Associations and the LCSD as co-organisers. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is the Principal Contributor.
Also officiating at the countdown ceremony were the President of SF & OC, Mr Timothy Fok; Legislative Councillor, Mr Ip Kwok-him; the Chairman of the 4th HKG Organising Committee, Mr William Tong; the Executive Adviser of the 4th HKG Organising Committee, Mr Chau How-chen; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung. The Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, the "Principal Contributor", Mr Winfried Engelbrecht-Bresges; Games Ambassadors Mr Li Ching, Mr Yip Tsz-chun and Mr Wong Wing-ki; and representatives of the 18 District Councils and National Sports Associations also attended.
For the details of the 4th Hong Kong Games and related activities, please visit www.hongkonggames.hk.
Ends/Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Issued at HKT 17:51
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