More than 110 invaluable treasures selected from the British Museum and themed on the Olympic Games, including the world-renowned marble sculpture "The Discus Thrower" which had never left its home museum for exhibition, made their debut in Hong Kong Saturday.

Featuring a selection of more than 100 items themed on the Olympic Games, "The Ancient Olympic Games" takes visitors back in time to gain an insight into the sporting spirit embodied in the ancient Games, and the origin and development of modern Olympics.

"The Ancient Olympic Games" exhibition will be held at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum from Aug. 3 to Nov. 24, as one of the major events to coincide with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and the co-hosting of equestrian events in Hong Kong. The opening ceremony of the exhibition was held Saturday.

Speaking at the ceremony, Secretary for Home Affairs of Hong Kong Tsang Tak-sing said, "The Beijing 2008 Olympic Games are only six days away. Hong Kong is indeed proud to be one of the co-host cities of the Games. We are taking this opportunity to show the dynamism and vibrancy of the cultural scene of Hong Kong as an Olympic city through a wide range of cultural programs and exhibitions for the enjoyment of all in Hong Kong."

Exhibits include sculptures, pottery, goldware, bronzeware, coins, medals, and the world-renowned marble sculpture "The Discus Thrower". They vividly tell the stories of the sporting venue of ancient Olympia, the different events held at the ancient games as well as the ceremonies honoring the winners and associated religious activities. The exhibition also traces the development of the modern Olympic Games and reviews the history of the participation of China in this festival of sport.

"The Ancient Olympic Games" exhibition is the third museum exhibition staged following the opening of the "Story of the Horse " at the Museum of Art, the "Heavenly Horse" exhibition at the Museum of History to coincide with the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. There is also the "Sports Arena" at the Science Museum.

"The Ancient Olympic Games" exhibition is jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department of Hong Kong and the Trustees of the British Museum, and organized by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and the British Museum. It is supported by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong and the education programs are funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

(Xinhua News Agency August 4, 2008)