East Asian Games planning committee formed

The government today (June 20) announced the establishment of a planning committee to prepare for the organisation of the 5th East Asian Games.

Last November, Hong Kong won the right to host the games which will be held in 2009. It will be the first major international multi-sports event ever to be held in the territory.

The Secretary for Homes Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, who is president of the planning committee, said the government would work hand in hand with all sectors of the community to host the best ever East Asian Games.

"We will work closely with the Sports Federation and the Olympic Committee of Hong Kong to prepare for the games. The committee will oversee the overall planning and organising work," he said.

The planning committee has wide representation, with members from the sports field and related government departments, as well as relevant sectors in the community including business, banking, airline and tourism.

The committee will enlist community support, develop an action timetable, advise on venue facilities and marketing strategy, and monitor progress of work on facilities.

"We have already signed a co-operative agreement with the State Sport General Administration of China. This will help us to draw reference from the preparatory work for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games which will strengthen our expertise to organise the 2009 Games," Dr Ho said.

"I will also attend the coming Athens Olympics together with staff of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department who will support Hong Kong athletes as well as gathering experience and knowledge on how major sports events are organised."

In relation to facilities, Dr Ho said Hong Kong had good existing sports venues which could be upgraded to readily support the holding of the 2009 Games.

"Moreover, we also have new venues to be rolled out under the normal public works programme, such as the Ma On Shan Sports Centre which will be ready for public use within a few months. The $150 million centre will be one of the largest indoor sports centres in Hong Kong and can be used for gymnastics, fencing, and table-tennis competitions," Dr Ho said

The government was also planning to build a new sports ground at Tseung Kwan O which would provide both main and warm-up facilities for holding international athletics competitions in Hong Kong. A bowling centre would also be developed under the private sector financing approach.

Ends/Sunday, June 20, 2004