http://maigoc2007.sports.sina.com.cn 2007-11-04 MAIGOC
The 2nd Asian Indoor Games marks its conclusion with a closing ceremony last night at the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel, where approximately 2,700 athletes, team officials and invited guests witnessed the OCA President announced the end of this edition of the Games, and a full conclusion of the three games in a row in Macao.
His Excellency Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, President of OCA, considers the 2AIG in Macao the pride of Asia, while all delegates appreciate the wonderful arrangement in the Games. The President of OCA owes the success of the Games of such large scale to the SAR government, for which, the President gives congratulations to Chief Executive Edmund Ho and all local citizens.
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee extends, in his message, sincere thanks to OCA for its confidence in Macao. The success of the Games means further promotion and illustration of the true Olympic Spirit, and more unity of all nations in Asia, another opportunity to build up friendship and integrity.
Representing the host city, local athlete Victor Wong passed the flag of OCA down to Manuel Silvério (Chairman of MAIGOC), Francis Tam (Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR), HE Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah (President of OCA), Nguyen Danh Thai (Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam and President of Vietnam Olympic Committee), Prof. Hoang Vinh Giang (Vice President and Secretary General of Vietnam Olympic Committee) and finally to Nguyan Dinh Ian, Director of Honoi Sports Department and Executive Vice Chairman of the Honoi Asian Indoor Games Organizing Committee. In the ceremony while the national flag of Vietnam was rising in amidst of the national anthem, the cauldron of the Games started to extinguish. At the moment when Hoang took over the lantern, the 2nd AIG is marked officially concluded, except the passion of the Asian Indoor Games which will be taken over by Vietnam, the host city of the 3rd Asian Indoor Games in 2009. The handover section was followed by a 15-minute show by the Vietnam performance group, showing the cultural and racial features of the next host city.
That was a gala dinner that ends up the 2nd Asian Indoor Games. Participating delegates and guests were very much enjoying themselves right before the farewell moment, a real time for relaxation and sharing after 9-day busy schedule of competitions and activities. Pop band “E mail”, Kazakhstan Dancesport performers, Macao Dancing and Singing Group, Dynamic Fashion Classical Band, Korean singer Yoo Seung Jun, Guangdong Wushu Team, Musical Band of Tuna da Universidade Católica Portuguesa from Porto, as well as the Shougang Arts Troupe all aim to create a joyful atmosphere for the closing ceremony.
