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The Chief Executive Mr Donald Tsang today (July 18) officiated at the opening ceremony for the Hong Kong Olympic Trail and Olympic Green at Pak Mong, Lantau Island.
To mark the historical occasion of Beijing hosting the Olympic Games 2008 and Hong Kong co-hosting the Olympic Equestrian Event, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government had obtained the approval of the International Olympic Committee to name a trail from Pak Mong Village to Mui Wo as "Hong Kong Olympic Trail" and a tree planting site at a slope near Pak Mong Village as "Olympic Green".
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr Tsang said the naming of the Hong Kong Olympic Trail and Olympic Green had corresponded with the theme of Green Olympics and helped promote the idea of green lifestyle as well as instilling the concept of environmental protection to the public.
The Hong Kong Olympic Trail is about 5.6km with its highest point at 227 metres. It passes through a number of old villages settled for more than 200 years.
A number of buildings, such as the entrance arch, village wall, Chi Tong and the watch-house in Pak Mong Village, which is situated at the starting point of the trail, have been declared monuments. The Fung Shui Woods behind the Village is a unique character of an indigenous village.
The Olympic Trail is suitable for a family outing and hiking and is also an ideal place for appreciating the natural scenery while learning more about the local culture, and ties in with the concepts of Green Olympics and People's Olympics.
The Trail and the Green will be Olympic legacies forever owned by Hong Kong people after today's official opening. Also officiating was President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr Timothy Fok.
Also attending the opening ceremony were Director of Home Affairs Mrs Pamela Tan; Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Mr Lau Sin-pang; Chairman of "Green Fun" Miss Maria Tam; and Islands District Council Vice-chairman Ms Chau Chuen-heung.
Ends/Friday, July 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:45
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