The GuangZhou Asian Games Organising Committee (GAGOC) will stage a grand evening gala on August 4 to mark the 100-day countdown to the 16th Asian Games. The centrepiece of the ceremony will be the unveiling of the Games’ theme song.

He Jiqing, Director of the Ceremonies & Cultural Events Department of GAGOC, attended a press conference on Thursday (July 22) and briefed reporters on the 100-Day Countdown Ceremony and Medal Ceremony of the Games.

During the 100-Day Countdown Ceremony, a 2,000-people chorus will sing the theme song with famous singers including Han Hong, Tan Jing, Han Lei, Leo Ku, Joey Yung and Karen Mok.

The theme song will feature in the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Asian Games on November 12.

An Asian Games Songs Competition is being held in Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai and co-host cities Foshan, Dongguan and Shanwei, promoting Asiad-themed songs among chinese people. The final of the competition take place in Guangzhou around the 50-day countdown to the Games.

Mr He also said the organisers are almost ready for the 476 Medal Ceremonies of the Games during which 3,989 medals will be presented to their owners.

Decisions have been made on the design and production of Medal Ceremony materials in 10 categories: medals, certificates, flowers, uniforms, rostrums, medal trays, background boards, national flags, national anthems and the music for awards presentation. These materials will also be unveiled when the Games is about 50 days to go.

The Ceremonies & Cultural Events Department of GAGOC will organise a training camp for all awards presenters in July and August.