HONG KONG: Hong Kong has its eye on entering the bidding to host the 2019 Asian Games if the people give the nod through their support of the coming East Asian Games (EAG).

Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing told a forum organized by Lions Clubs that the Asian Games bid could be one of the major impacts of the EAG for Hong Kong.

Tsang said the Hong Kong government would fully support the city's Olympic Committee to bid for the 2019 Asian Games when time comes.

One crucial factor however is whether the people of the city are eager to support another major, international multi-sport event.

Tsang said the government hoped the Asian Games could be a window to convey Hong Kong's culture and civilization to the rest of the world. "Holding world-class sporting events will benefit Hong Kong beyond the event itself. It enhances Hong Kong's sporting standard and unites the community. Moreover, it showcases Hong Kong's integrated power to the whole world," said Tsang.

Hong Kong lost out to Doha, Qatar 12 years ago in the last round bidding for the 2006 Asian Games. Tsang believed chances are greater this time, since the 5th EAG, the first regional multi-sport contest Hong Kong has ever hosted, would bring Hong Kong experience and facilities upon which to base a bid for Asia's biggest multi-sport event.

"A 10,000-seat stadium will rise in Kai Tak, which will be sufficient to hold international sports events for the Asian Games," Tsang added. "I believe Hong Kong is capable of holding the 2019 Asian Games, not to mention we still have 10 more years to prepare for it."

Tsang is also optimistic about Hong Kong athletes' performance in the forthcoming EAG.

"As the upcoming East Asian Games will take place at home, I believe Hong Kong athletes will take advantage of it and play hard to seize more gold medals, especially in cycling, windsurfing and squash," said Tsang.

Tsang said the government has made every endeavor in promoting a sustainable sports environment in Hong Kong. During 2009-2010, the Leisure and Culture Services Department invested more than HK$180 million, which sponsored more than 10,000 sports activities and attracted about 710,000 participants.

As the authority committed to sports development in Hong Kong, the Home Affairs Bureau works essentially on three aspects: to popularize sports in the communities, to nurture elite athletes, and to support the hosting of sports events. It also maintains close partnership with various sports organizations, including Hong Kong's Olympic Committee, 74 sports associations, as well as the Hong Kong sports institute, to explore, practice and sponsor elite athletes to take part in the international sports competitions.

(HK Edition 11/24/2009 page1)