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Hong Kong holds torch-relay for 2009 EAG
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Donald Tsang Yam-Kuen (R), chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Autonomous Regions lights the main torch before the 2009 East Asian Games torch relay in Hong Kong August 29, 2009. The torch relay was launched across Hong Kong for the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) to celebrate the 100-day count-down on Saturday.(Xinhua/Zhou Lei)
The torch relay for the 2009 East Asia Games (EAG) was held here on Saturday at a ceremony in the Kowloon Park with the participation of a 500-strong crowd.
Veteran cyclist Wong Kam-po started the torch-relay and 65 torch-bearers traveled across the city and received a wild cheer from the citizens of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong windsurfing queen Lee Lai-shan, who won Hong Kong's first Olympic gold medal in 1996, ended the torch-relay after she arrived at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.
Donald Tsang, chief executive of Hong Kong SAR, said the torch-relay marked doubly significant.
Donald Tsang Yam-Kuen (R), chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Autonomous Regions, carries the torch with cyclist Wong Kam-po (L) of Hong Kong together before the 2009 East Asian Games torch relay in Hong Kong August 29, 2009. The torch relay was launched across Hong Kong for the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) to celebrate the 100-day count-down on Saturday.(Xinhua/Zhou Lei)
"This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China - a significant milestone for our nation."
"That makes today's torch relay doubly significant - it is both a celebration for the National Anniversary and a prelude to the Games," he added.
"The Beijing Olympics last year - with Hong Kong as a co-host city - was a resounding success. Hong Kong will rise to the challenge again by hosting the largest ever EAG. Close to 3,000 athletes from nine countries and territories will compete for 262 gold medals across 22 sports,"
A large-scale show was also held on Saturday to celebrate the 100-day countdown to EAG, shortly after the relay ended.
The Hong Kong 2009 EAG will be held on Dec. 5-13. More than 3,000 athletes from nine countries and regions of East Asia will take part in the competitions.
The last torchbearer Lee Lai-shan, Hong Kong's first ever Olympic gold medalist, lights the caldron during the 2009 East Asian Games torch relay in Hong Kong, south China, August 29, 2009. The torch relay was launched across Hong Kong for the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) to celebrate the 100-day countdown on Saturday. (Xinhua/Lo Pin Fai)
John Hui, a tennis player from Hong Kong of China holds the torch on a boat during the 2009 East Asian Games torch relay in Hong Kong, south China, August 29, 2009. The torch relay was launched across Hong Kong for the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) to celebrate the 100-day countdown on Saturday. (Xinhua/Liu Sui Wai)
Cyclist Wong Kam-po of Hong Kong runs with the torch during the 2009 East Asian Games torch relay in Hong Kong August 29, 2009. The torch relay was launched across Hong Kong for the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) to celebrate the 100-day count-down on Saturday.(Xinhua/Zhou Lei)
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