A series of programs will be held to give the Olympic flame a rousing welcome to Hong Kong, officials announced on Sunday.

These programs will be organized by a group formed by prominent figures from the business, sports, entertainment and professional sectors in Hong Kong, said Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) Jack So, who is also the convenor of the "Committee for Welcoming the Torch", on a press conference held in Hong Kong on Sunday.

The Beijing Olympic flame is scheduled to arrive in Hong Kong on April 30 and the torch relay will be conducted on May 2.

One of the highlights would be a "Dress Red Day" when members of the public are encouraged to wear red to support the torch relay on May 2, So said, adding that the committee had mapped out a series of programs to celebrate the Beijing 2008 Olympic Torch Relay in Hong Kong.

So said the Olympic flame, a solemn symbol of the Olympic spirit, would arrive in Hong Kong after passing through 19 countries and cities across five continents.

"Hong Kong is the first stop for the Olympic flame on its way back to China - this is a great honor for our city," he said.

The committee has managed to garner the support and cooperation of various sectors to come up with a series of programs for Hong Kong people to express their support and pride, he said.

So said the committee has adopted the slogan "Come on, China" for welcoming the torch relay in Hong Kong, which is printed on a red T-shirt specially designed to welcome the Beijing Olympic Games.

Activities will be organized at several shopping malls in Hong Kong on May 2, when popular singers will lead audiences to sing Olympic theme songs and share the joy of the torch relay, So said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2008)