After a nearly eight-hour relay by 119 torchbearers, and with the lighting of the cauldron, the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong has successfully come to an end.

Successful run: Athlete Wong Kam-po, the last leg's torch bearer, enters the venue of the closing cermony at Bauhinia Square. Chief Secretary Henry Tang receives the Olympic Torch from Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad Executive Vice-President Yang Shu'an.

"Every member of our community who defied the rain and took part played an indispensable role in creating this ocean of red that has washed over Hong Kong today. We cheered each relay runner, and we embraced the Olympic Spirit with passion and a sense of unity."

Close co-operation

He attributed the event's success to the close collaboration between the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee, various sectors of our community, enthusiastic individuals, and Government departments.

"It was you who helped create a spirit-lifting chapter in this journey of harmony for the Olympic torch. And it was you who will make today's relay a much-treasured moment in our city's history and in our collective memory."

Mr Tang said the Olympic flame will soon be re-settled in the tinder lamp ahead of its journey to Macau.

"It is now time for us to translate our passion into action. Every second counts in the remaining 98 days to the Equestrian Events. We need to make sure everything is in the best shape when we welcome back the Olympic flame in August."

HK's passion

Speaking to the press after the ceremony, Mr Tang said the event ran smoothly, adding the majority of the community actively participated in the relay.

He believed people from all over the world can experience Hong Kong's passion and beauty, as well as Hong Kong people's devotion and aspiration for the Olympics.

On the protestors' activities, he said Hong Kong is a pluralistic society and the residents can adopt an inclusive attitude when facing protestors.

Turning to the traffic congestion in Tsim Sha Tsui this morning, Mr Tang attributed the jam to the rainy weather and the unexpected early arrival of the crowds. He said Police had to implement road closures earlier than scheduled to ensure efficient crowd management.