Timothy Tsun-Ting Fok bears a lot of titles, including member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, Vice President of Hong Kong East Asian Games Organizing Committee, and President of the Hong Kong Football Association. Now, one more title was added to the list, torch bearer of Hong Kong leg of the Beijing Olympic torch relay.
Hong Kong is the first stop of the Olympic flame on Chinese soil. On Friday, the Olympic flame was carried by Fok and another 119 torch bearers in Hong Kong through Kowloon, New Territory, and Hong Kong Island by running or on various modes of transports, including cars, dragon boats and vessel.
"I'm excited to be a torch bearer," said Fok, "The coming of Olympic flame to Hong Kong is an indication of the development of sports in Hong Kong."
Since 1974, Fok, along with his father Henry Fok, has tried his best to support Chinese sports. Fok participated in the process of Beijing's bidding for the Olympic Games.
"Time flies. I was in Moscow seven years ago when Beijing won the bid to host the Olympics. And now we are only 100 days away from the Games."
Fok said that he believes the Beijing Olympic Games will be a success and Hong Kong will make its own contribution to the success of the Games.
Hong Kong will host the equestrian events in August. "It's a rare opportunity for Hong Kong to show itself through the hosting of the events. And after more than two years' of preparation, I can say we are ready now," said Fok.
During Friday's torch relay, Fok who is the second from last torchbearer, relayed the torch to Wong Kam Po at the Golden Bauhinea Square near the Victoria Harbor, where public gatherings are held. Wong, a famous HK cyclist, then ran forward to light the cauldron to conclude the whole relay to the cheers of the spectators.
"Torch relay is a big event not only for sports sector in Hong Kong, but also for Hong Kong as a whole," said Fok. "The torch relay showcased to the world Hong Kong's harmony and prosperity, and the spirit of unified support for Olympics."
(Xinhua News Agency May 3, 2008)