Home Affairs Secretary Dr Patrick Ho has opened a three-day exhibition, "Hong Kong - Asia's world city and Sports Events Capital" in Athens. 

China's State Sports General Administration Deputy Director Yu Zaiqing attended the opening ceremony. Dr Ho congratulated Mr Yu after China's Du Li claimed the first gold medal of the 28th Olympic Games, winning the women's 10-meter air rifle event.

Co-organised by the Home Affairs Bureau and Hong Kong's Sports Federation & Olympic Committee, the exhibit highlights Hong Kong as the host city for the 2009 East Asian Games and as a training base for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

"Having overseas top athletes to conduct their pre-Olympic training in Hong Kong will not only bring economic benefits to us but, more importantly, provide a strong impetus for the development of a sustainable sporting culture in the community," Dr Ho said.

The exhibition also promotes Hong Kong as a capital for major sporting events, competitions, business and sports-related exhibitions and conferences. It will continue until August 16 at Divani Caravel Hotel in Athens, targeting leaders of international sports organisations, sports events planners and countries that may conduct training in Asia for the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 Hong Kong East Asian Games.

Hong Kong to participate in 10 sports events

Sports Federation President and Olympic Committee head Timothy Fok also officiated at the exhibition.

Dr Ho is in Athens to support the Hong Kong Olympic delegation which is taking part in 10 sports. The delegation attended the Hong Kong flag-raising ceremony at the Olympic Village on Saturday. Dr Ho will return to Hong Kong on Sunday.