| Hong Kong to host 2009 East Asian Games in December
More than 3,000 athletes from nine countries or regions will compete in the 2009 East Asian Games (EAG) in Hong Kong from December 5-13. This is the biggest ever EAG and will be the largest multi-sport event yet held in the city.
A record 262 gold medals are up for grabs, with the best athletes from China; Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Hong Kong, China; Japan; Korea; Macao, China; Mongolia; Chinese Taipei; and Guam taking part. The EAG will feature 22 sports, with more than 1,700 competition events at 21 venues. Some 200,000 spectators are expected.
Hong Kong will field its own team at the EAG under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle enshrined in the Basic Law – the territory's mini-constitution. At the last EAG in Macao in 2005, Hong Kong’s athletes won 13 medals.
Hong Kong is promoting itself as a natural host for this regional event, with its “prime location at the heart of East Asia, its great infrastructure and connectivity, world-class hotels, hospitality and cuisine.”
As Asia’s sports hub, the territory is home to exciting annual events such as the Hong Kong Sevens (rugby), Hong Kong Marathon, Hong Kong Open Championship (golf), Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes, Hong Kong World Grand Prix (volleyball), the International Tennis Champions Challenge and the International Dragon Boat Races. In 2008, Hong Kong staged the Olympic and Paralympic Equestrian Events as co-host of the Beijing Olympics.
More information about the EAG can be found on the Web site: [www.2009eastasiangames.hk].
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