Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government would be serious and responsible to ensure the Olympic torch relay and the equestrian events in Hong Kong a success, a Hong Kong top sports official said on Sunday.

Officiating at an unveiling ceremony of Olympic paintings contest, Tsang Tak-sing, Secretary for Home Affairs of HKSAR government, said that to host the Olympic Games was the Chinese people's long-time wish and that the whole community could share the country's joy in hosting the Olympics.

Tsang added that to promote the Olympic spirit, the authorities would launch a series of Olympic-related activities for the public together with various organization.

The Home Affairs Department, Hong Kong Commerce, Industry and Professionals Association and Visa have jointly organized the "Hong Kong 18 Districts Paint Together for Olympics with Visa" to welcome the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

He said the "Hong Kong 18 Districts Paint Together for Olympics with Visa" was an activity which represented the concerted efforts by the business sector, the HKSAR government and the community forces in providing events that blended the Olympics with art.

While noting that similar wall paintings would soon be displayed in the 18 districts, Tsang appealed to the public for their full and continual support for other celebration activities.

(Xinhua News Agency April 14, 2008)