************************************************************
Every four years, the Olympic Games capture the world's attention. The excitement, the pageantry and the glamour of individual athletes are all etched onto the collective memory of millions of viewers - and one of the enduring images is that of the cheerful Games mascots.
Now you can revisit these old friends at the Games Mascots Exhibition at the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) Gallery, on the 2/F of Hong Kong Park Sports Centre.
Thirty-three past and present mascots from the Summer Olympics, Winter Olympics, Asian Games, East Asian Games, Chinese National Games and Commonwealth Games are on display in various forms, such as soft toys, wooden toys, crystals, pins and key rings, until December 31.
The origins and characteristics of each mascot are explained in words and pictures.
The Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games Gallery opens from 10am to 9pm daily, except on the first and third Mondays of each month, when it will open from 1pm to 9pm because of maintenance work.
The gallery was set up by the 2009 EAG Planning Committee last October to enhance the public's understanding of and interest in the EAG, which Hong Kong will host three years from now.
Permanent displays include an introduction to the history of the ancient and modern Olympics and Hong Kong's sporting achievements, 2009 EAG venue models and Olympic torches, medals and posters. The public can finish their visit by viewing a promotional video on the 2009 EAG and playing an interactive computer game.
More exhibitions are being planned, to showcase pins, coins, stamps, prize medals and commemorative medals.
Starting from mid-July, a free guided tour service will be offered to schools. The service will be extended to non-profit bodies and the general public in September. For details or to make an appointment, call 2601 7656.
To further promote community involvement in the 2009 EAG, the EAG Planning Committee is recruiting tertiary students to become EAG Gallery tour guides after special training. Interested students may visit the websites of their tertiary institutions or the EAG website, http://www.2009eastasiangames.hk/tc/. For enquiries, call 2601 7656.
Ends/Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Issued at HKT 15:30
NNNN
