***********************************************************
Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, at the opening ceremony of Hong Kong Cyclothon today (October 10):
Peter (Lam), Raymond (Kwok), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very warm welcome to cyclists and guests from Hong Kong and around the world to this landmark event in our city's sporting history: the first-ever Hong Kong Cyclothon.
The cycling races we are about to see form a novel sporting event that will turn some of Hong Kong's busiest streets into massive tracks for the exclusive use of cyclists.
The staging of this event reflects a growing cycling movement in Hong Kong. Go out on any weekend to our countryside, and you will easily find cyclists of all ages flashing past in colourful outfits and helmets. Indeed, cycling is a healthy and pollution-free leisure and sporting activity that the Government is keen to encourage. We are developing new cycling tracks in many parts of Hong Kong so that cyclists may ride safely and freely.
The two-day Hong Kong Cyclothon includes a great variety of events for people from all walks of life, including family and kids, professionals and amateurs. The longest race route, namely the Challenge Ride takes in some of the most impressive landmarks of Hong Kong such as the Tsing Ma Bridge. I am sure our guest participants from around the world will find their ride even more enjoyable with the accompanying stunning views, and they will also be amazed by the great variety of our landscape and scenery. We are committed to working closely with the Hong Kong Tourism Board to promote more of our beautiful countryside for cycling, hiking and other outdoor activities.
Apart from the Hong Kong Cyclothon, a number of renowned tournaments sponsored by the Hong Kong Government will be held in October, including the Hong Kong Tennis Open, the Hong Kong Open, which is our major golf event, and the cross harbour swimming race. These highlights of Hong Kong's sporting calendar are not to be missed.
I would like to wish everyone taking part in the Hong Kong Cyclothon a most enjoyable time and the very best of luck.
Ends/Saturday, October 10, 2015
Issued at HKT 19:29
NNNN
MP4 format