The torch of the Doha 2006 Asian Games arrived in Macao on Thursday and will depart for Hong Kong Friday.

 

Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani, official ambassador of the Doha 2006, carried the flame in a lantern to Macao on Thursday morning and was received by a welcome party headed by Laam Wah Ying, president of the Macao Olympic Committee, at the Macao International Airport.

 

The flame traveled 8.3 km in Macao and covered a route passing by a dozen historic spots which were logged on the World Heritage List.

 

Some 40 local celebrities and athletes were chosen as the torch bearer, including a nine-year-old tennis player Kuan Chio Gei.

 

The Marathon torch relay was planned to travel 15 Asian countries and regions in 55 days.

 

(Xinhua News Agency October 27, 2006)