|
|
XLVIII Festival of Sport Opening Ceremony Concluded Magnificently - Ambassador Alex FONG appealed to the public to go SPORT!
|
13.03.2005 |
|
The XLVIII Festival of Sport (FOS), organized by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) and subvented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) was kicked off by the grand Opening Ceremony on 13 March 2005 (Sunday) at 3:00pm at the Arena of the Queen Elizabeth Stadium.
|
This prestigious annual Festival, being Hong Kong’s unprecedented “Sport for All” campaign in 48 years ago, has become the united force of all National Sports Associations (NSAs) in promoting sports. “Sport for All” is a movement promoting the Olympic ideal that sport is a human right for all individuals regardless of race, social class and sex. The movement encourages sports activities that can be exercised by people of all ages, both sexes and different social and economic conditions. This allows all people to enjoy sports and realize their sport talent.
The Hon. Timothy T. T. FOK, IOC Member, President of the SF&OC highlighted the significance of the 48th FOS as one of the three Asian activities being awarded with International Olympic Committee (IOC) patronage to promote “Sport for All” in year 2005. The Federation is proud of the fact that its effort in promoting sports for a half century has been recognized by local community as well as International Olympic Committee!
In order to widely promote the “Sport for All” ideal to the mass public, Mr. Alex FONG, swimming star and renowned actor, was invited to be the FOS Ambassador. It is our hope that youngsters will take him as a role model, to go sporting and adopt a healthy lifestyle. Despite of his busy schedule, Alex took time to grace the Opening Ceremony yesterday (13 March), in which he performed his latest song and played games with audience which led the climax of the afternoon.
The Opening started by a Marching-in Ceremony which was led in by the Hong Kong Police Force – Police Band, followed by 48 flag bearers and 74 placard holders from the Hong Kong Adventure Corps, and representatives of 74 NSAs, in a dignified manner. The Marching-in Ceremony was set similar to the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony to allow all participants and audience to feel the Olympic spirit. Lion and dragon dance, Jazz dance and tap dance, Wushu and Taekwondo performances then followed in sequence.
To pay tribute to those athletes with outstanding performance in multi-sports games and championships during 2004, the Federation presented the “Incentive Awards” amounting HK$424,700 to 17 NSAs (appendix I) at this delightful occasion.
With the magnificent conclusion of the Opening Ceremony, 76 sports competitions, fun days and demonstrations will be held from now on until June throughout Hong Kong. The Festival programme booklets with all details are available at the 18 District Offices of the LCSD or you may download it from our Website at www.hkolympic.org.
Issued by: Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China
Date:13 March 2005
|
|
|
|
