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The annual Sha Tin festive lighting switch-on ceremony was held today (November 14). The theme of this yearˇ¦s lighting decoration is celebration of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Peopleˇ¦s Republic of China and the holding of the 5th East Asian Games in Hong Kong. Special designs and elements on this theme were incorporated in the lighting and lantern display for the enjoyment of the public.
Officiating at the switch-on ceremony today, the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Carrie Yau, said the hosting of the 5th East Asian Games (EAG) was an important milestone for Hong Kong as it was the first time that the city would host a large-scale multi-sport international event.
ˇ§About 2,300 elite athletes from nine countries/regions in East Asia will gather to compete for medals in 22 sports in the 5th EAG, the highest number of sports and participating athletes ever recorded for the EAG,ˇ¨ she said.
She believed Sha Tin residents would be particularly enthusiastic about the EAG as competitions for rowing and road cycling would be held in Sha Tin. She hoped residents would cheer for the athletes and witness historic sporting moments together.
Mrs Yau also called on all citizens to fully support the EAG, join hands to be part of the legend and make the Games one of the most memorable events in Hong Kong.
The Sha Tin festive lighting is organised annually by the Planning Committee on Festive Lighting in Sha Tin, co-organised by the Sha Tin Sports Association and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, and sponsored by Sha Tin District Council. Every year during Christmas and New Year, glittering lighting is displayed at main thoroughfares in Sha Tin and Ma On Shan and along the Shing Mun River to enhance the festive atmosphere.
Other officiating guests included the Chairman of the Sha Tin District Council, Mr Wai Kwok-hung; District Officer (Sha Tin), Mrs Do Pang Wai-yee; Police District Commander (Sha Tin), Mr Ng Kam-wing; District Leisure Manager (Sha Tin), Mr Lee Chaw-sing; Chairman of the Planning Committee on Festive Lighting in Sha Tin, Mr Frankie Wu; and Chairman of Sha Tin Sports Association, Mr Mok Kam-kwai.
Ends/Saturday, November 14, 2009
Issued at HKT 20:01
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