Macao starts to gear up with the 'Flame of the Future'
(China Daily HK Edition)
Updated: 2005-09-30 10:13

Chief Executive Edmund Ho yesterday called on citizens of the city to make an extra effort to ensure the success of the 4th East Asian Games, one month ahead of the largest sports event ever hosted by the city.

Torch bearers running on the Sai Van Bridge. [[China Daily HK Edition]

"I am proud and delighted as a citizen of Macao to see a major international sports event such as the East Asian Games being held in our city, as it turns a glorious new page in its sporting history," he told volunteers, athletes and citizens at the Macao Stadium Indoor Pavilion.

"I would like to take this opportunity to ask workers, volunteers and the citizens of Macao to participate in the event and contribute to the success of the upcoming East Asian Games. We must not let down the people of Asia and the world," he added.

On this encouraging note, Ho joined smiling onlookers and athletes in a rendition of the 4th East Asia Games theme song, "We Will Shine", culminating in an atmosphere of goodwill and solidarity.

To be held between October 29 and November 6, it is estimated that about 6,000 participants will gather in the city during the event, including athletes, officials, East Asian Games Association and Olympic family members, invited guests, along with media workers.

In the afternoon, the CE also attended the "Flame of the Future" torch-lighting ceremony for the 4th East Asian Games, which was followed by a torch relay run beginning from the government headquarters.

Taking over from the CE at the government headquarters, athletes took turns to carry the lit torch along nine stops to the end of the relay at the Macao Stadium, where they were welcomed by citizens, officials and volunteer workers.

Fourteen local sports associations sent their athletes to be torch-bearers. They are Cheung Pui Si (karate-do), 13 players in Macao Dragon Boat Team (Iao Chong Wa as the bearer), Chao Man Kit (rowing), Lao Hei Meng (swimming), Au Chi Kun and Sou Chon Kin (athletics), Hoi Chong Kit (hockey), Chong Kun Kan (football), Chau Le Man (bowling), Chan Chi Neng (tennis), Ieong Su Kan (dance Sport), Zhang Bin (gymnastics), Leong Chi Seng (basketball), Wong Peng Kun (shooting) and Han Jing (wushu).

Finally the torch was delivered to Macao Stadium by Han Jing and was received by the chairman of the board of the directors of the Macao 4th East Asian Games Organizing Committee (MEAGOC), Manuel Silverio, for the flame storage ceremony.

Macao was awarded the right to host the 4th East Asian Games at the 11th EAGA Council Meeting held in Guam in March 1996, with the government demonstrating full support since the establishment of the Macao Special Administrative Region.

In January 2002, MEAGOC was established to conceive, plan, prepare, promote and organize the event.

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