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CS' speech at Flame Receiving Ceremony (with photos/video)
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    Following is the speech by the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, at the Flame Receiving Ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong this afternoon (April 30):

Mr Yang, Mr Fok, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    First of all, it is my privilege, on behalf of my 7 million fellow citizens, to welcome the official party that has accompanied the Olympic Flame since it left Olympia on March 24 for its journey across five continents and 19 cities. Welcome home!

    Today, we gather to receive the flame with excitement and joy. This is a moment of great anticipation - it has been 44 years since we last welcomed the Olympic Flame to our city. We have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the flame since the moment it was lit at Olympia 37 days ago. And, we are eagerly anticipating the flame burning brightly in Beijing in just 100 days time.

    The Olympic Flame is the brightest symbol of the Olympic spirit. It is a symbol of hope and dreams, of sunshine and happiness, of friendship, peace and equality. It encapsulates the virtues of perseverance, and the satisfaction that comes from trying our best. It represents universal values that transcend nationality, race, or religion. As such, the respect of, and commitment to, these values underscores the responsibility of each torch relay city to ensure the dignified, smooth and orderly progress of the Olympic Flame.   

    Hong Kong is honoured to be one of the 134 relay cities. We are immensely proud to be the first Chinese city to welcome the torch after its global journey.  With months of intense preparation ... "we are ready"!

    On May 2, our 120 torchbearers, every member of the support staff, and everyone who cheers the convoy, either along the streets or watching the screen, will take part in this great event. 

    On that day the torch relay will showcase to the world Hong Kong's special character, our beautiful scenery, and the vibrancy of our city, the events capital of Asia. 

    On that day, come out and support the "Hong Kong Welcomes the Torch" campaign.  Let's all dress in red to proudly Light the Passion, Share the Dream!

    Thank you.

Ends/Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:33

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