Torch Relay to Mark 30 DAY Countdown, MAIGOC Pledges Dedicated Effects in Hosting the 2nd AIG 26-09-2007

On the occasion of the 30-Day Countdown to the commencement of the Asian Indoor Games, more than 2,000 participants joined in the Torch Relay and Dedication Pledge Ceremony organized by the Macao 2nd Asian Indoor Games Organising Committee (MAIGOC) at the Sai Van Lake Plaza on 26 September 2007. Together with all the MAIGOC staffs and volunteers, the Organising Committee Chairman Manuel Silvério led the pledge to the SAR Government for dedicated efforts in hosting the Games under the witness of 14 hosting guests, including Macao SAR Chief Executive Edmund Ho, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR Chan Kai Meng, and Director General of International Organization and Legal Affairs of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC in the Macao SAR Ma Yaou.  The activity took the form of a relay race running through the Macao Peninsula in a team of 53 torchbearers, spreading the news of the upcoming Asian Indoor Games throughout the city.

The Torch Relay activity, also a warm up event for next year’s “Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay – Macao”, passed through popular scenic spots in Macao such as Nam Van Lake, Ave. de Almeida Ribeiro, Rua de S. Tiago da Barra and Sai Van Lake. The Torch was first ignited by the Chief Executive Edmund Ho in front of the flame starter, and then it was handed over to the first runners, MAIGOC Chairman Manuel Silvério and President of Macau Olympic Committee Laam Wah Ying.  Moreover, the route was continued by the other 51 torchbearers composing of local celebrities, Government Officials, athletes of different sports, and senior representatives of Games Sponsors.  The anchor, Vong Hang Cheong, medalist of artistic cycling in the 1st Asian Indoor Games, completed the relay and brought the Torch back to Sai Van Lake Plaza.  Subsequently, the torch was returned to Manuel Silvério who has in turn preserved the Flame in a prepared Lantern.  This Holy Flame will be ignited again 30 days later on 26 October, at the 2nd Asian Indoor Games Opening Ceremony in the Macao Stadium, lightening up the Games’ Torch Tower.

Macao, being the hosting city of the 2nd Asian Indoor Games, will mobilize over twenty thousand people to work together before, during and after the 9-day event.  This gigantic workforce include the working staffs of MAIGOC, public servants of different departments, volunteers, schools and communities participating in the Opening Ceremony, TV signal production team of the Opening & Closing Ceremonies, as well as media from all over the world, partners, sponsors, suppliers and hotels that is providing accommodation services for the Games.  Nevertheless, the success of the Asian Indoor Games relies on the cooperation, participation and great support from all circles of Macao.  By the time of the Games, billions of people across the globe can sit in front of the television to feel and share the passion and integrity of the Macao people.

“I believe, through this 30-Day Countdown and Torch Relay activity, the message of the upcoming 2nd Asian Indoor Games will be widely spread, and everybody will know that we are ready for the Games. It is also a good opportunity for us to boost up the morale of our staffs and volunteers who have dedicated their efforts in this great sports meet,” expressed Manuel Silvério in joy.

In addition, the 30-Day Countdown activity has become one of the most favorite entertainments of many families last night, spending the holiday together by taking part in the Torch Relay and Dedication Pledge Ceremony. The impressive performance of Japanese BMX flatland rider York Uno gained great applause from the audience, heating up the atmosphere along with the performance of the Macao Artistic Cycling Team, Hou Kong Middle School Marching Band, Macao Aerobic Gymnastics Team and the singing of the Games Anthem.

On the occasion of the 30-Day Countdown, MAIGOC has renewed its official website to update people with more interesting stories on the upcoming Asian Indoor Games. For more information, please visit www.maigoc2007.com