http://maigoc2007.sports.sina.com.cn 2007-09-24
The Macao 2nd Asian Indoor Games Organizing Committee (MAIGOC) is going to launch the 2nd Asian Indoor Games 30-Day Countdown, Torch Relay and Dedication Pledge Ceremony at the Sai Van Lake Plaza opposite to the Macau Tower tomorrow (26 Sept). The torch will pass through various scenic spots in the Macao Peninsula and it will serves as a warm up event for the “Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay – Macao” of next year. Games booths will start from16:00 tomorrow at the Sai Van Lake Plaza followed by the launching of Torch Relay and stage performance from 17:30 to 19:30.
A press conference was held by MAIGOC yesterday (24 Sept) introducing the programs of the Torch Relay and Dedication Pledge Ceremony. Over 60 torchbearers, composed of representatives of local celebrities, Government Officials, athletes of different sports, and senior representatives of Games Sponsors, will run through 33 relay points starting from Sai Van Lake Plaza, all along Nam Van Lake, the former Judiciary Court, Ave. de Almeida Ribeiro, Rua do Almirante Sergio, Rua de S. Tiago da Barra, Sai Van Lake and then back to the Sai Van Lake Plaza under the Macau Tower as a circuit, all together 5.5km. On the day of the 30-Day Countdown, MAIGOC Chairman Mr. Manuel Silvério, together with the staffs and volunteers, will pledge to Macao SAR Chief Executive Edmund Ho for dedicated efforts in hosting the Asian Indoor Games.
Apart from tomorrow evening’s Torch Relay, the program also includes other performance by the Macao Artistic Cycling Team, Hou Kong Middle School Marching Band and Macao Artistic Gymnastics Team. Famous X-Games athlete Mr. York Uno, Flatland Champion of the Asian X-Games 2005, will be invited to perform in the ceremony. MAIGOC has also introduced in the press conference the torch that will be used in this Torch Relay and at the Opening Ceremony on 26 October. The torch is designed in streamlined with a pointed roof at the top of it, indicating the flame of indoor sporting program. The overall height of the torch reaches 63cm and weighed 1.26Kg when fully filled with fuels, which is much lighter than those used in the 2005 East Asian Games and 2006 Lusofonia Games.
Official Sponsors of the Torch Relay include 'Li-Ning' as the Official Sports Apparel Sponsor and is providing each Torchbearer with their very own Li-Ning sports shoes and caps. In addition, 'Bonaqua' will supply all water for the Torch Relay to ensure that the Torchbearers are well hydrated. Official Sponsors including 'Coca-Cola' and 'Macau Beer' will also be providing beverages for the Torch Relay VIP function.
Participants of yesterday’s press conference included Superintendent Lam Man Wai from the Police Department, who was announcing the relevant transportation arrangement for tomorrow’s Torch Relay activity, Directors of MAIGOC Eric Chau and Sylvester Cheong, Managers John U and Anita Cheong.
