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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, said today (November 15) that the renovated Mong Kok Stadium could play host to more exhilarating football matches, adding that the Government would work closely with local football enthusiasts to further promote the sport in the territory.
Mr Tsang said this at a ceremony this evening to celebrate the re-opening of Mong Kok Stadium.
Mr Tsang said that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government embarked on a two-year major redevelopment project for Mong Kok Stadium at a cost of some $270 million, and work was successfully completed last month. Both spectators and football players would benefit from the renovation works, he added.
He noted that the spectator stand of the stadium has been upgraded, while ancillary facilities have been added, making the stadium an even more ideal venue for high-level matches and sports activities.
The stadium has been refurbished with a modern outlook and green features, and the entrance has been styled into a landscaped area. The original benches for spectators have been replaced with individual seats and some are covered.
To celebrate the re-opening of the stadium, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department organised a ceremony for tonight and invited the Russian National Youth Team for a friendly football match with the Hong Kong Youth Representative Team.
In welcoming the visiting Russian National Youth Team on behalf of the HKSAR Government, Mr Tsang noted that the Russian team was made up of top-notch young football players, and said that some of its budding athletes might have the chance to take part in the 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in their homeland.
He said he hoped young players from both teams would give their best and learn from each other, demonstrating their sportsmanship and skills as well as thrilling spectators with a fascinating match.
The Russian National Youth Team is an experienced team which has taken part in various European under-19 championships. As it was set to face such a strong opponent, the Hong Kong Youth Representative Team had been active in preparation and upgraded its training, holding out hope to accumulate experience and strength in this exchange of skills.
Mr Tsang said the Government had lent its full support to the Hong Kong Football Association to launch a series of reform initiatives and would work closely with local football enthusiasts to promote the sport further in Hong Kong.
The international football match was the highlight of the re-opening ceremony. There were also performances including rhythmic drumming with flag waving, and wushu and a lion dance, showing a unique Chinese flavour. The ceremony also featured impressive performances by cheering teams and the Hong Kong Police Band.
A sport towel, a limited edition souvenir specially produced to celebrate the re-opening of the stadium, was distributed to each attendee to make this meaningful day more memorable.
Also officiating at tonight's ceremony were the President of the Sports Federation and the Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr Timothy Fok; the Deputy Consul-General of the Russian Federation in Hong Kong, Mr Boris Rychilo; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Raymond Young; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mrs Betty Fung; the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Anthony Leung; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association, Mr Brian Leung.
Ends/Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Issued at HKT 20:07
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