The Olympic Committee of the Hong Kong S.A.R. has held two rehearsals for the Olympic torch relay. The purpose was to coordinate the cooperation between participating units and evaluate the effect on traffic. The committee has also released the list of 120 torch bearers.
Lee Lai-shan is the first runner. The professional windsurfer is Hong Kong's first Olympic Gold Medalist.
Hong Kong's 120 torchbearers made their public debut Tuesday afternoon.
Lee Lai-shan is the first runner. The professional windsurfer is Hong Kong's first Olympic Gold Medalist.
Olympic torch bearer Lee Lai-Shan said, "As a torch bearer, I feel very honored. And at the same time, I have an important task, spreading the message of peace and Olympic spirit."
The rehearsals followed the planned route.
The relay started at the Hong Kong Cultural Center in Tsim Sha Tsui. 120 volunteers ran or took cars, buses and boats to transport the torch through 11 scenic spots to the destination at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai.
The torchbearers boarded a dragon boat to cross the Shing Mun River, escorted by a fleet.
The route covers 26 kilometers and the whole process takes about eight hours.
(CCTV April 30, 2008)