Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing says in a signed article published in the Chinese press today that it is a great honor for Hong Kong to be the first stop on Chinese soil for the Beijing Olympic torch relay after its round-the-world journey.

He believes Hong Kong, which is also a co-host of the Olympic equestrian events, will make the first leg of the torch relay in China a resounding success.

Looking back on the history of the Olympic Games and the sacred flame relay, Tsang reiterated that the Olympic ideal has been "peace through friendly competitions" since the first Games more than 2,700 years ago: "The Olympic Games is not merely a grand sports gathering but also a social movement that sustains human development."

"The sacred flame is the ultimate symbol of the Olympic ideal and spirit," he says. "Therefore, when witnessing the Olympic torch relay, everyone of us may feel something personal amid the excitement. It could be about individual pursuance, or the pride of a nation for its achievements, or the common aspiration of the human race."

"The people of Hong Kong always love the Olympic Games because their motto of "never give up" resonates with the Olympic spirit.

The Beijing Olympic Games is an unprecedented event for every Chinese national. It is the largest event ever hosted by China for the whole world. It signifies that China is embracing the world with open arms and its reform is entering a new phase after 30 years of awe-inspiring achievements, Tsang continues.

"We in Hong Kong have felt the enormous impact of the reform and opening up in China. Past experiences have proved that a successful Olympic Games can boost the host country's development, enhance its modern thinking and will facilitate its integration with the international community," he says.

He adds that the ultimate goal of the Olympic Games is "peace and harmony", which embodies the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

He expects local residents to give the Olympic torch relay on home turf a great start.

China Daily

(HK Edition 04/30/2008 page1)