Good sports: Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho and HK Bid Committee Chairman Timothy Fok raise a triumphant toast after learning Hong Kong had won the bid to host the 2009 East Asian Games.

Hong Kong has won the hosting rights for the 2009 East Asian Games.

Hosting a lunch reception at Government House to celebrate the achievement, announced in Macau today, Secretary for Home Affairs Dr Patrick Ho thanked the local sports community for their support for Hong Kong's bid.

He also thanked the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the bid committee for their efforts in making the bid a success.

Despite the deficit, he said the Government has committed $80 million to host the games which will benefit Hong Kong.

"The vote has been taken. The hard work now begins. Over the next six years, all sectors of the community will work hand-in-hand to organise the best East Asian Games. This is our commitment," Dr Ho said.

More than 2,000 athletes will take part, and they together with delegation members and tourists flocking in to watch the games will boost our economy.

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Anissa Wong said the Government will upgrade its sports facilities to the required standard, and set up an appropriate institution to organise the games.

The East Asian Games are held once every four years. They have previously been held in China, Japan and South Korea. The 2005 games will be held in Macau.