Hong Kong, China: A leading Guangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC) official has praised Hong Kong for the successful hosting of the 5th East Asian Games in December 2009. Xu Ruisheng, Vice Mayor of Guangzhou Municipality and Executive Deputy Secretary General of GAGOC, told an Asian Games support rally in Hong Kong on Saturday: “I would like to congratulate Hong Kong for organising a successful East Asian Games last month.

“Hong Kong achieved unprecedented success, not only the accolades for their organisation but also for winning so many medals.

“I expect Hong Kong to be a strong force and do the same again at the 16th Asian Games in Guangzhou.”

Hong Kong won 26 gold medals and a total of 110 medals in the nine-team East Asian Games, finishing behind Asia’s big three of China, Japan and Korea.

Vice Mayor Xu was the chief guest at a function on Saturday to show Hong Kong’s support of the Guangzhou Asian Games at the Hong Kong Jockey Club at Sha Tin, in the New Territories.

“This is very important and meaningful as it kicks off a series of promotional events in Hong Kong,” he said. “They will help to educate and drive the people in the build-up to the Games.

“Hong Kong is not only a southern city of China but also is a gateway to the world, and the two centres of Hong Kong and Guangzhou on the Pearl River Delta will integrate and promote the Asian Games.

“We are expecting a tremendous amount of visitors from Hong Kong to attend the Guangzhou Asian Games in November and share the passion.”