Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen pledged Hong Kong would do its best in hosting the Olympic equestrian events and help in the country's post-quake reconstruction, as the special administrative region celebrated its 11th anniversary yesterday.
'Hong Kong is honoured to co-host the Olympic equestrian events, and we will do our best to make the events a great success to demonstrate that we are worthy of the trust bestowed upon us by our country,' he said, officiating at the government reception at the Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Having returned from the quake zone in Sichuan on Sunday, Mr Tsang repeated the city's readiness to provide help. 'While the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan shook the whole Chinese nation, we have demonstrated the virtue of 'When one place suffers misfortune, aid comes from all sides', and the solidarity, indomitable will and great courage of Chinese people.
'People of Hong Kong share the victims' sadness, showing great care and love for the families and making very generous donations. The Hong Kong SAR government will actively participate in the reconstruction to contribute to the country.'
The official handover celebration began with a flag-raising ceremony at Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai, at 8am, followed by a sea parade and a fly-past by the disciplined services. About 1,000 members of the public attended, many wearing red caps and waving flags.
Mr Tsang and his wife, Selina Tsang Pou Siu-mei, shook hands with spectators before the ceremony, during which the chief executive received a petition from an elderly woman, who said: 'Please raise the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance amount. We are very poor.'
