(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-04-27 18:59

HONG KONG  -- A district sports carnival was held in Hong Kong on Sunday to celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympics as well as the 100-day countdown to the event.

The carnival, held at Tin Shui Wai Sports Ground in the New Territories, was jointly organized by Hong Kong Home Affairs Department, Yuen Long District Office and the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association.

Speaking at the launching ceremony of the 100-day countdown to the Olympic Games, Hong Kong Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs Carrie Yau said that the Home Affairs Bureau had been doing its utmost to encourage various sectors to organize different activities, so as to invite the whole community to celebrate and welcome the Beijing 2008 Olympics with one heart.

Yau added that this year, various sectors of the community had been participating in promoting the Olympics with enthusiasm.

"Through this valuable opportunity, we wish to encourage our younger generation to build up their bodies and strengthen their will. If all of us attach importance to balanced development of both body and mind, Hong Kong will surely become a healthy and energetic city, " she said.

Yau said that with the full support given by some 30 local organizations and schools and the active participation of various parties, including the physically disadvantaged, the event had highlighted the core elements of Olympism - harmony and peaceful co-existence.

The Yuen Long District Sports Carnival aimed at promoting Olympism and healthy lifestyle through sports competitions. Participants who were born on August 8 were given souvenirs of the Beijing Olympics.