East Asian Games' budget outlook improving: CEO 12/12/2008 |
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Cheaper hotels and transportation may help offset the fundraising losses facing the 2009 East Asian Games, its organizer said Friday. Friday was the one-year-countdown to the Games, which will take place from Dec 5-13 next year.
Chairman of the Fifth East Asian Games Planning Committee Timothy Fok Tsun-ting revealed that 3D-gold, one of the sponsors, won't be able to pay all of its previously committed HK$2.5 million.
"We understand their financial difficulty," the Games' chief executive officer in Hong Kong, Johnny Woo Wai-man, said in an interview with RTHK Friday. "They have contributed a lot in offering us over half of the funds promised."
Over HK$60 million has been collected so far. The government will appropriate about HK$120 million.
Despite the tight funding, Woo expressed confidence in breaking even with spending.
"For instance, expenses spent on hotel accommodations are less than during prosperous times," he said. "We believe the bid price for services will be reduced for us to control the event within budget."
To further save costs, the 18 district councils will help promote the East Asian Games through community activities.
Meanwhile, in a seminar held Friday, Fok said the organizing committee has been seeking local, mainland and international experts in preparing for the opening ceremony.
A media center spanning 1,535 sq m will be located at Hong Kong Central Library to accommodate around 300 media representatives.
Friday night, Chief Executive Donald Tsang officiated the one-year countdown ceremony for the Games at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui.
(Source: GAGOC)
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