Sunday marked the start of a series of events held across Hong
Kong by its Youth Sector to mark the 10th Anniversary of the
Reunification.
The launching ceremony was held at Golden Bauhinia Square in the
Hong Kong Island, with over 1,500 people attending. Hong Kong
Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho spoke of the potential of the
young people of Hong Kong, encouraging them to fulfill their hopes
and become successful in all endeavors.
Chairlady of the Organizing Committee Elsie Leung also urged the
young people assembled to consider the opportunities offered by the
10th Anniversary of Reunification as an occasion to embark in a new
direction.
William Tsang, executive chairman of the events, told the press
of his happiness at the efforts seen over the last nine years to
spread the "May 4th Youth Festival" events. This year, in the "same
place", with the "same concept", he was amazed at the joint efforts
of 200 youth organizations in Hong Kong including the Hong Kong
Uniformed Group, Hong Kong Federation of Youth Group, Hong Kong
Association of Youth Development and Hong Kong United Youth
Association.
During the ceremony, famous pianist Yundi Li and singer Leo Ku
were named as the Event Ambassadors in the ceremony. They both
showed off their superlative musical skill with Li performing the
newly-composed song "Singing for the Motherland" with 150 members
of the Hong Kong Children's Choir, while Ku showcased the 10th
anniversary theme song "Just Because You Are Here" with the young
singers from all 18 districts of Hong Kong.
The launching ceremony marked the countdown to the first
exchange program involving youngsters from 36 districts in Beijing
and Hong Kong. Over 400 youngsters from 18 districts of Hong Kong
will travel to Beijing from April 5-9 to take part in activities
together with youngsters from 18 districts of Beijing.
In the four months to follow, a series of special celebrations
will occur, including "Chinese Culture Week" and "String Orchestra
Concert in Celebration of the Reunification".
(Xinhua News Agency April 2, 2007)
