Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang attended the opening plenary session of the 88th Lions Clubs International (LCI) Convention on June 29.

In his first international conference engagement since he took office as Chief Executive, Tsang gave a brief address to almost 12, 000 Lions Clubs members at the Hong Kong Coliseum where the opening session was held.

"It is an extremely rare privilege for Hong Kong to host the Lions Clubs International Convention for a second time," Tsang said.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Hong Kong, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all Lions Clubs members here and wish the Lions Clubs International Convention 2005 great success."

Officiating guests of the opening also included International President of LCI Clement F. Kusiak and Chairman of the Hong Kong Tourism Board Selina Chow.

During the convention, from June 27 to July 1, close to 20,000 Lions members around the world will take part in a host of activities and programs that include special tours, visits and an entertainment show.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization dedicated to helping the less fortune in the community. It has nearly 1.4 million members in 193 countries and geographic areas.

This is the second time Hong Kong became the hosting city of the convention since 1992.

Source: Xinhua