2009 East Asian Games

In November 2003, Hong Kong won the opportunity to host the 5^th East Asian Games in 2009. The 2009 East Asian Games Planning Committee, with a wide representation with members from the Government and the sports, commercial, banking, airline and tourism sectors, was established in June 2004. The Committee is responsible for planning and preparing for the event, enlisting community support, developing publicity and marketing strategies, and advising on the venues and facilities required for the organisation of the event.

For its part, the Government will upgrade 13 existing sports venues and facilities to the required international standards. The Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground, which is a new sports ground currently under construction, will be used for holding athletic events of the 2009 East Asian Games.

The Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground will be the main arena for the track and field events of the 2009 East Asian Games.

The Department will continue to work closely with the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the executive agent for the organisation and implementation of the East Asia Games, 2009 East Asia Games (Hong Kong) Limited, to organise this first-ever multi-sports international games to be held in Hong Kong.

In 2006, a series of promotional activities, including the 2009 East Asian Games Slogan Competition, East Asian Games Venue Thematic Design Competition and Sports Education Programme — Olympism and 2009 East Asian Games, and a series of promotional exhibitions was launched to raise public awareness to encourage community support for and participation in the 2009 East Asian Games. With the endorsement by the East Asian Games Association, it was announced that 23 sports would be held at the 2009 East Asian Games, which represents the largest number yet of sports events held in the East Asian Games.

Choi Sau-chu, overall champion of the 2009 East Asian Games Slogan Competition, introduces her entry 'Be the Legend', a succinct phrase that captures the spirit of Hong Kong people pursuing excellence.

Representatives from Head Architecture and Design Limited, the first prize winner of the 2009 East Asian Games Venue Thematic Design Competition, present the team's concepts for Hong Kong Stadium, Western Park Sports Centre and Hong Kong Coliseum, three of the venues designated to hold the 2009 East Asian Games.

Gymnastics gold medallist Liu Xuan encourages students to participate in voluntary work at the 2009 East Asian Games in a sharing session at the 2009 East Asian Games Gallery in Hong Kong Park Sports Centre.

The 2009 East Asian Games (Hong Kong) Limited will continue to organise more publicity programmes and activities for the 2009 East Asian Games, including the development of a mascot, selection of an anthem, community events and cultural programmes all the way up to 2009.