The Olympic Council of Asian General Assembly
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Entering into the new millennium, 2001 proved very eventful and auspicious for the region. We gathered for the Olympic Council of Asian (OCA) General Assembly in Aomori, Japan, in May 2001.
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Soon after the close of Aomori, members of the OCA went to Osaka, Japan, for the East Asian Games (EAG) that drew a record turnout and also record shattering performances. 'We devoted a lot to the EAG because it was not only a spectacular tournament in its own right but also a rehearsal for the Asian Games to be held in 2002 in Busan, the Republic of Korea. We closed the Osaka show with a tribute to the Host City and passing of the torch to Macao, which will stage the next EAG' The Hon. Timothy Fok said.
Guangzhou in November 2001 staged their National Games. The gathering of nearly 10,000 athletes and officials - including representatives from the International Olympic Committee headed by President Jacques Rogge. Hong Kong participated in those Games for the second time since its reunification with China and Macao the first.
Beijing in August 2001 held the equally impressive University Games. Student athletes, some of them of world caliber, had assembled in the Chinese capital in what many observers considered a test run for the 2008 Olympiad to be staged there. The organizers surprised even the media with their performance, which boded well for Beijing's efforts to make the Olympics in seven years a benchmark upon which future Games shall be measured.
The highlight no doubt for East Asia flashed in Moscow in July 2001. The attendants from the International Olympic Committee overwhelmingly voted for Beijing to host the 2008 Games with the ballots not going beyond the second round, despite a proud showing by other contenders - Osaka, Istanbul, Paris and Toronto. The IOC, in its verdict, described its decision as historic and a means to leave a unique legacy for the capital of the most populous nation and a testament to the uplifting power of sports.
"At the IOC meeting members also voted for President Rogge to succeed Life President Juan Antonio Samaranch, marking a major transition in personality but a continuation in tradition. I also accepted my ascension to be member of the IOC with humility, realizing my additional responsibility is not just an honor of mine but a world tribute to the fantastic strides in sports in East Asia I once again credit my induction into the IOC to the recognition that my colleagues in the OCA had bestowed on me when in November 1999 they named me a Vice President responsible for my region."The Hon. Timothy Fok said.
Throughout the year, East Asia was the center of many regional, continental and world sports championships and tournaments - in wushu, badminton, table tennis, cycling, bowling, swimming, football, basketball, and beach volleyball, etc. Public interest in sports had surged and was not diminished even by the recession. Cities such as Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing and Hong Kong had built or had promised to build state of the art facilities to put an accent on their sporting commitment.
"Decades from now many will reflect on annus mirabilis 2001 as a defining moment for East Asian sports development. I am privileged that the OCA has called upon me to preside over the region at such a fruitful time and I promise anew to live up to my colleagues' expectations." The Hon. Timothy Fok said.
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