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Over 20,000 Tai Chi enthusiasts today (September 30) practised Tai Chi together for 20 minutes at the former Kai Tak airport, setting a new record for Hong Kong and celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR).
Officiating at the Mega Tai Chi Show, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, witnessed the record breaking event and announced that the total Tai Chi participants had set a record of 20,236 people.
Hong Kong established its first record in a similar event in December 2001 with 10,425 people taking part in the Tai Chi performance.
The Mega Tai Chi Show was jointly organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the Hong Kong Wushu Union, the Hong Kong Chinese Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Association and the Hong Kong Tai Chi Association. It provided an opportunity for Tai Chi enthusiasts to exchange knowledge and skills with Tai Chi masters of Hong Kong and from the Mainland.
Six renowned Tai Chi masters of six different Tai Chi styles from the Mainland and representatives of the three Tai Chi associations also gave demonstrations at the event.
The Tai Chi participants came from all walks of life and were of different ages, showing that Tai Chi exercise has become a popular sport for Hong Kong people. Among them were participants of LCSD's parent-child Tai Chi made easy classes involving parents and children learning and practising Tai Chi together.
The Mega Tai Chi Show was also the finale of a series of sport events organised by the LCSD to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the HKSAR.
Also officiating at the opening ceremony were the Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Li Gang; the President of the Legislative Council, Mrs Rita Fan; the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr Timothy Fok; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Carrie Yau; the Chairman of the Community Sports Committee, Mr Chau How-chen; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Thomas Chow, and representatives from the 18 District Councils and the three co-organisers.
Ends/Sunday, September 30, 2007
Issued at HKT 11:48
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