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The 5th Asian Games Bid Committee and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department urge the public to sign their names in support of Hong Kong's bid to host the 5th East Asian Games in 2009.

Signature books have been placed at LCSD sports centres, swimming pools, sports grounds and Leisure Services Offices throughout the SAR.

Eleven countries or regions will compete in 13 sports the East Asian Games, which are second only to the Asian Games in scale and significance.

"Hosting an international athletic meet of such scale and prestige will boost Hong Kong's reputation as an events capital and encourage our athletes to strive for ever higher standards," a Leisure and Cultural Services Department spokesman said today (October 9).

"It will also heighten enthusiasm for sports and promote a sporting culture in our community.

"Public support in the signature campaign will surely help the Bid Committee present a convincing case for Hong Kong before the East Asian Games Association, the body that will decide who will hosts the games in 2009."

The signature campaign is scheduled to last until October 26, just a few days before the East Asian Games Association announces its decision in Macau in early November.

Ends/Thursday, October 9, 2003

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