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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, tonight (November 6) received the East Asian Games Association (EAGA) flag at Olympic Square in Hong Kong Park, signifying the transfer of the hosting rights of the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) to Hong Kong.
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the sports sector and the people of Hong Kong will work together to stage a successful 2009 East Asian Games," Mr Tsang said after receiving the flag from the Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho and Chairman of the 5th East Asian Games Planning Committee, Mr Timothy Fok.
The flag was handed over to Dr Patrick Ho and Mr Timothy Fok at the closing ceremony of the 4th EAG in Macau and was taken back immediately to Hong Kong for the flag welcome ceremony.
Young athletes, sports organisations and members from various District Councils attended the event to show the sports sector and the community's support for the 2009 EAG.
Community and business leaders, including Dr Stanley Ho; Dr Lam Sai-wing; Mr Wilfred Ng Sau-kei; Mr Raymond Lee Man-chun; and Mr Tang Kam-hung attended the ceremony to present sponsorship cheques in support of the 5th EAG.
The flag welcome ceremony was witnessed by members of the public who visited the park and enjoyed a garden party held near the artificial lake.
Ends/Sunday, November 6, 2005
Issued at HKT 22:30
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