Olympic torch relay finishes in Macao

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Source: CCTV.com | 05-04-2008 08:03

The Beijing Olympic torch relay has finished its journey in Macao, its second domestic leg in China.

Torchbearer Han Jing (R in red) lights the torch for the next torchbearer Kuong Sio Ieng (L in red) during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Macao, south China, on May 3, 2008. (Xinhua/Qi Heng)

The event made Macao's history by becoming its first Olympic torch relay.

The relay kicked off at the Fisherman's Wharf entertainment district.

Chief Executive of the Macao SAR, Ho Hau Wah, handed the torch to the first runner, Leong Hong Man, a local martial arts star.

Macao's distinctive architecture, its eclectic mixture of East and West, added a special flavor to the torch relay.

Pang Tsz Shan holds the torch on a boat during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games torch relay in Macao, south China, on May 3, 2008. (Xinhua/Zhou Wenjie)

The route passed along most of the city's best-known landmark sites, such as the 500-year-old A-Ma Temple and the ruins of Saint Paul's Church.

The torch also crossed two major bridges that link the city center to two outlying islands.

Like its previous leg in Hong Kong, the relay completed part of its course on water.

120 torchbearers participated in the three-hour event.

At 86 years of age, gaming mogul Stanley Ho is the oldest torchbearer in Macao.

Torchbearer Stanley Ho said, "I'm very happy. As a Chinese, I'm very proud that Beijing is hosting the Olympic Games."

After Macao, Sanya in south China's Hainan province will host the next leg of the relay.

Editor:Zhang Ning