Hong Kong promises surprise performance in Olympic torch relay
2/5/2008 15:55
Hong Kong officials and organizers of the Olympic torch relay have been
promising surprise performances in Sha Tin racecourse today as the torch arrives
at the Olympic equestrian venue in the ongoing relay.
"We will keep it a
secret till the moment. It will be surprise, " an official said upon being asked
about the arrangements in Sha Tin, where there will be a huge gathering.
Lee
Lai-shan, Hong Kong's first gold medal Olympian, started the torch relay at
10:28 a.m. today after taking over the torch from the city's Chief Executive
Donald Tsang. The torch relay has been proceeding as planned so far, with local
residents waving national flags along the route from the Cultural Center in
Kowloon.
Officials said special performances in Sha Tin will feature dragon
boats, among others, and there will be a gathering of up to 15,000 people in the
racecourse.
Sha Tin racecourse was newer one of the two major racecourses in
Hong Kong and it has a capacity for over 80,000 spectators. It is one of the top
racecourses in the world, with foldable cover, equine hospital, racing
laboratory and equine swimming pool. Fours hills had been leveled to turn the
sea into land in the project.
Hong Kong is the first leg of the torch relay
back in China after it ran through 19 cities across five continents. The 8-hour
trip starts at the Cultural Center in Kowloon and will conclude at the Gold
Bauhinia Square on Hong Kong Island after crossing the Victoria Harbor and
passing by landmark skyscrapers in the financial hub.
Xinhua
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