EAG 2009 A Legend Never Ends ---- Reinvent Hong Kong 「Can-do」 Spirit 東亞運不朽傳奇 ---- 齊來延續香港精神

Dr. Hon. Lam Tai Fai, our School Supervisor, shares his view on local sports development at Singtao Daily on Wednesday, 23-12-2009.

Dr. Lam recalls that Lam Tai Fai College was honoured to have Ms Sherry Tsai Hiu Wai, member of the Hong Kong Swimming Team and record holder, as the guest-of-honour in its 6th Swimming Gala held on 25th September, 2009. In the past 16 years, Sherry has undergone rigorous training and participated in numerous swimming competitions including three Olympic Games. Besides her swimming career, Sherry strikes an excellent balance between academic pursuit and community involvement, including the establishment of a charity fund for the support of local young athletes.

Sherry is currently studying in the Chinese University of Hong Kong for a Master Degree in Sports Education, in which she cherishes the dream of becoming a professional coach nourishing young swimmers in Hong Kong. Her fullest involvement in sports and community service not only has set a good example for Hong Kong athletes, but also she has showcased the passion, commitment and "can-do" spirit of all Hong Kong people.

In the 6th East Asian Games (EAG) held early in the city, Hong Kong athletes amassing an overwhelming of 110 medals including 26 gold, 31 silver and 53 bronze, achieving a best-ever result in the sports history of Hong Kong and proving that local athletes have well-qualified calibre for international sports competitions. We are proud of their achievement and have much to learn from their perseverance and exemplary sportsmanship. On the other hand, according to statistics, there were over 1.1 million guests visiting Hong Kong during the EAG, resulting in a rise of 5.7% of the total amount of visitors than that in the same period last year. These visitors have helped to stimulate local economy and brought other earnings to the city. The more valuable benefit would be to bring the "can-do" spirit of Hong Kong to a full play as more local citizens identify themselves as a 'Hong Kong-er', which Dr. Lam regards as the positive effect for uniting the people and building a harmonious society for "Courage, Aspiration and a Prosperous Future".

The lowering of the curtain of the East Asian Games 2009 and is a time to reminisce which leads to great enthusiasm for sports among the locals, and further discussion on whether or not to host the Asian Games 2019 becomes a hot topic in the city. Dr. Lam suggests that the government should thoroughly review EAG 2009 and investigate the possibility of hosting the Asian Games 2019, give full-fledged support together with the provision of a more comprehensive policy for sports development and facilities upgrade, so as to encourage more citizens participating in sports and further stretch the standard of local athletes.