Public consultation begins; for many, it's a chance to bolster HK's image

The ball has been set rolling. Public consultation on whether the SAR should make a bid to host the 2023 Asian Games started on Tuesday.

"Hong Kong should not miss such a good opportunity like this," said Tsang Tak-sing, secretary for home affairs. "Ten years ago we failed in the bidding. It is time for us to win it back," he added.

He said the experience of organizing the 2009 East Asian Games successfully should make Hong Kong a worthy candidate.

The direct costs of hosting the quadrennial event have been pegged at HK$13.7 to HK$14.5 billion, precisely HK$3.2 to 4 billion operating cost and HK$10.5 billion direct capital cost. The estimated income from things like ticket sales, merchandising and sponsorship will be between HK$0.7 and HK$0.86 billion, according to Eddy Chan, head of the Asian Games Bid Team.

On the possible venues, Chan said apart from using the existing government and non-government sports facilities, the government will speed up the construction of the planned projects like the Kai Tak Multipurpose Stadium Complex, for which HK$30.17 billion has been earmarked.

"Utility is the key. Construction and upgradation of venues for the Asian Games is aimed at bringing long-term benefits to the public. There will be no 'image projects'," promised Tsang Tak-sing.

Over 3,000 units will be built in the Athletes' Village, and when the Games is over, each will be turned into residential flat.

Asked whether a developer or a non-government organization will take charge of the construction works, Chan said no decision has been taken yet.

"The Asian Games is not only an opportunity for the sportspersons of Hong Kong to raise the bar, it will also, more importantly, bolster the city's sports industry," said Chan Ka-wai, a Democratic Party member.

Paul Tse Wai-chun, tourism sector legislator, said the travel industry will boom during the 2023 Asian Games as it happened in Beijing during the 2008 Olympic Games.

The possibility of Hong Kong's holding such a big event has already fired the minds of its young people who believe a precious opportunity is beckoning the city.

"It's not a bad idea, though huge money is needed to organize such an event," said Tony Wu, a 17-year-old student of a secondary school in Causeway Bay. "It's an international event and it should be something big."

However, voices of dissent could also be heard.

"Of course, I disagree," said Mrs Chung, 60. "The government should focus more on helping the poor rather than spending some HK$10 billion on holding such an event."

The public consultation started on Tuesday and the formal bid for hosting the 2023 Asian Games will be submitted to the Olympic Council of Asia by January 30, 2011.

The 2010 Asian Games will be held in Guangzhou in November.

Asian Games organizers have switched the quadrennial event from 2018 to 2019 to avoid clashing with the Commonwealth Games in the future.

China Daily

(HK Edition 09/22/2010 page1)