Hong Kong Olympic Trail, Olympic Green make debut
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Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang (right) and President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong Timothy Fok officiated at the opening of the Olympic Trail and Olympic Green. |
The Hong Kong Olympic Trail and Olympic Green made its debut July 18 on Lantau Island with Chief Executive Donald Tsang officiating at the opening ceremony.
To mark the occasion of Beijing hosting the Olympic Games and Hong Kong co-hosting the Olympic Equestrian Events, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government named a trail from Pak Mong Village to Mui Wo as Hong Kong Olympic Trail and a tree-planting site near Pak Mong Village as Olympic Green.
Mr. Tsang said the two sites correspond with the “green” theme of the Olympics and help promote the idea of a green lifestyle, as well as instilling in the public the concept of environmental protection. They will be permanent fixtures on the island, legacies of the 2008 Olympic Games.
The Olympic Trail is approximately 5.6 kilometers, with its highest point at 227 meters. It passes through a number of 200-plus-year-old villages, and is suitable for a family outing and hike. It also is an ideal place for appreciating the natural scenery while learning more about the local culture.
A number of buildings, such as the entrance arch, village wall, Chi Tong and the watch-house in Pak Mong Village, which is situated at the trail’s entrance, have been declared monuments. The Fung Shui Woods behind the village is a unique aspect of the indigenous village.
Also officiating at the opening ceremony was Timothy Fok, president of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China. In attendance were Director of Home Affairs Pamela Tan; Deputy Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Lau Sin-pang; Chairman of Green Fun Maria Tam; and Islands District Council Vice Chairman Chau Chuen-heung.
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