Olympic torch relay begins in Hong Kong

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-02-2008 11:53

The latest leg of torch relay for the Beijing Olympic Games is underway in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

Lee Lai-shan (front L), Hong Kong's first ever Olympic gold  medalist, is the first runner of the 20th leg of the Beijing  Olympic torch relay which started in Hong Kong SAR at 10:28 a.m.  local time on Friday. (Xinhua Photo)

The relay kicked off around half past ten on Friday morning at the landmark Cultural Center in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Hong Kong Chief Executive Donald Tsang was at the starting ceremony, with an audience of almost one thousand people.Hong Kong's first-ever Olympic gold medalist Lee Lai-shan was the first torchbearer.

The torch will pass Hong Kong's landmarks including the racecourse that will host the Olympic equestrian events, Victoria Harbor, as well as Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

The relay finishes at the Golden Bauhinia Square. The 26 kilometer route is expected to last about eight hours.

Major local media outlets, including Hong Kong Broadcasting TV, Asian TV and Cable TV, are broadcasting live coverage of the torch relay event.