Hong Kong prepares for fete marking its return to motherland

Government official announced in Hong Kong Friday to stage a series of celebration events spanning several months next year to mark the 10th anniversary of Hong Kong 's return to the motherland.

Raymond Young, director of the Celebrations Preparatory Office under the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, said at a press conference that the HKSAR government will organize events in Hong Kong, overseas and on China's mainland to celebrate the historic moments.

The themes of the celebrations were defined as "the successful implementation of One Country, Two Systems" and "the Hong Kong spirit".

"We hope the celebration activities will show people around the world Hong Kong's vigor and vitality and how we have successfully maintained the territory as Asia's world city and a leading trading and financial center," Young said.

The main events will be launched between April and September 2007. They include ceremonial and celebratory events, exhibitions and international conferences, infrastructure-related events, and various cultural, sports and district events, according to the preparatory office.

An official logo and website were also designed and launched to promote the celebrations.

Young said individuals, community and district organizations and business sector are welcome to organize their own celebration activities or sponsor the celebration program.

Events that fulfill the necessary requirements may apply for accreditation for inclusion in the official Events Calendar and website and the HKSAR government will provide souvenirs specially designed for the celebrations for distribution at accredited events.

The government will set up a celebration fund for pooling sponsorships, which will be used to support major celebration events organized or co-organized by the HKSAR government and a portion will be deployed to District Councils to support worthy district-based events.

The office will also recruit children born on July 1, 1997, to participate in some of the celebration activities.

Source: Xinhua