Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground opened today marking the launch of the 200-day countdown to the Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games.

The new venue replicates the shape of the five Olympic rings to symbolise and enhance its image as a world-class athletics facility.

Its crescent-shaped skylights in the spectator stands symbolise the nine participating regions and countries in the games, and its facilities and design are environmentally friendly and meet international standards.

Opening the ceremony, Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing said the 18 District Councils will organise a series of activities enlisting public support for the games.

"A torch relay will be held August 29 while school torch relays will be staged from September to November," Mr Tsang said.

The six-hectare facility on Po Hong Road has a seating capacity of 3,500 and space for a temporary spectator stand with 1,500 seats. It has the main sports ground, a secondary sports ground for warming up and other facilities like an 11-a-side soccer pitch.