Going for gold – hosts 5th East

Civil Service Newsletter Editorial Board

FROM December 5 to 13, Hong Kong will be showcased to millions of sports enthusiasts across the region in its official capacity as the host city for the Hong Kong 2009 (EAG).

Hong Kong receiving the hosting right of 2009 EAG in 2003.

Held once every four years, EAG is a major event in the Asian international sports arena. The first EAG was held in Shanghai in 1993, followed by Busan in 1997, Osaka in 2001 and in 2005.

More than just a sports event, EAG is also an important milestone for Hong Kong’s sports The last leg of EAG Torch Relay, Lee Lai-shan. development as it is the first large-scale and multi-disciplined international sports event hosted by the city. Around 2,300 elite athletes will compete The road to the Games in 22 different sports to vie for 262 gold medals, In November 2003, Hong Kong was chosen to making it a record in EAG history. host the 5th EAG in 2009. In 2004, the East Asian Games Planning Committee, with representatives The 22 sports to be featured at EAG are from the Government, the sports, commercial, Aquatics, Athletics, , , , banking, airline and tourism sectors, was established. , Cycling, DanceSport, Football, Hockey, The Committee is responsible for planning and , , , Shooting, , Table preparing for the event, enlisting community support, , , Tennis, , Weightlifting, developing publicity and marketing strategies Windsurfing and . Places participating at and advising on the venues and facilities required. EAG include , the Democratic People’s In March 2005, the (Hong Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, China, , Korea, Kong) Limited was set up as an executive agent to Macau, China, , and . organise and implement the Games. 14 EAG publicity billboards at Hung Hing Road.

HAB and LCSD co-ordinate road to Games success To ensure that EAG is staged smoothly, the Home Affairs Bureau (HAB) and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) have taken a leading co-ordinating role with the many different stakeholders to handle various aspects of the Games, In 2008, the EAG Organising Committee and including publicity and promotion work, competition five Co-ordinating Committees were established to scheduling, security and accreditation, medical further strengthen the overall co-ordination work services, media and public relations, protocol and and assist in overseeing the key functional areas, hospitality services, venue preparation, traffic for example, the opening and closing ceremonies, and other logistical support. A special task force traffic and transport arrangements, publicity and comprising over 100 staff has been set up to take community involvement. up various EAG-related duties. During the Games operation period, a comprehensive command, The Government has invested more than co-ordination and communication structure will $1.2 billion into improving Hong Kong’s sports also be set up to ensure effective responses to infrastructure for the Games. A new sports all situations. ground was constructed in Tseung Kwan O and improvement works were undertaken at Both HAB and LCSD have long played a key role 13 government venues. The main objective of in promoting sports in Hong Kong. The Secretary these works was to upgrade existing facilities for Home Affairs has overall responsibility for to meet the standards required for international formulating and implementing sports policies and sports competitions, as well as for long-term sports is also Chairman of the Sports Commission (SC). development in Hong Kong. All improvement works SC was established on January 1, 2005 to were completed by advise the Government on the mid-2009. policies, strategies, implementation framework and provision of funding

Community programme of and resources in support of sports Yau Tsim Mong District in development in Hong Kong, taking support of EAG. into account the input from various stakeholders in sports through partnership and collaboration. SC is underpinned by three Committees, namely Community Sports Committee, Elite Sports Committee and Major Sports Events Committee, which develop and promote community sports, elite sports and major sports events in Hong Kong.

School Torch Relay.

15 Community programme at Sha Tin District.

HAD garners community support and involvement Additionally, the Home Affairs Department (HAD) has given its full support to the Games. By co-ordinating the efforts of the 18 District Many districts have set up special working Councils (DCs) and various sectors of the community, groups to organise local support events prior to the message about EAG has got across to the wider EAG. The City Dressed-up Programme is being community. HAD has also made every endeavour carried out by DCs to welcome both athletes and to help implement publicity campaigns and various tourists in Hong Kong for EAG. Community activities, activities in order to encourage greater public with the theme “A green, cultural and energetic participation and welcome the Games. EAG”, such as mural painting, photography, sporting competitions and carnivals have also been held so The 100-day Countdown-cum-Torch Relay that every member of the community would be able in August created an exciting atmosphere in the to participate and pitch in to support the Games. run-up to EAG. The participation in the Relay of one torchbearer from each DC demonstrated the Spectacular EAG opening and wider community’s support of the Games. These closing ceremonies torchbearers coming from different fields helped The EAG opening ceremony will be held on promote the spirit of sports to all citizens. HAD December 5 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre also invited members of the public to cheer on the Piazza with serving as the torchbearers along the way, further adding to the backdrop. The opening ceremony programme atmosphere of joy and excitement during the Relay. will include a boat parade, cultural performance, ceremonial ritual and lighting of cauldron, with a fireworks display as the highlight event. Having the opening ceremony held at a harbour setting, instead of a stadium, will create a memorable and resplendent night for all.

The closing ceremony will be held in the evening of December 13 at . Apart from ceremonial rituals and cultural performances, there will also be a special programme presented by , the host city of the next EAG.

Kowloon Park Swimming Pool.

Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground.

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