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In response to media enquiries, a spokesman for the Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (December 13) that the Government fully supports the preparation work for the largest ever East Asian Games to be held in Hong Kong in December 2009.
In the 2009 East Asian Games, there will be 23 competition events and a total of 281 gold medals to be presented, representing an increase of 6 competition events and 44 gold medals from the last East Asian Games in 2005.
The Government is spending over $1 billion in building the new sports ground in Tseung Kwan O and upgrading over 10 of the existing sports facilities to meet prevailing international competition standards. The works, which generate about 1 000 jobs, would also benefit the local community for many years to come.
In terms of software, to support local athletes who will take part in the Games, the Government has specially provided an additional $20 million for them to train up in preparation for the competition events.
Ends/Saturday, December 13, 2008
Issued at HKT 14:31
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