As the Olympic flame arrives in Hong Kong today for the May 2 torch relay, a sports official expresses the belief that the upcoming event will reinforce a sense of belonging among his fellow citizens.

Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong says it is a great honor for the city to be the starting point of the flame's journey in China.

"The Olympics is not only a high-level sports game, but also a time that outsiders witness the great changes in China and Beijing. It has been ten years since Hong Kong's return to China, and every time during the Olympic Games, when we see Chinese athletes winning medals and the Chinese national anthem being sung on the fields, the sense of pride in being Chinese becomes real and strong."

Of the 120 selected torchbearers, about one third are current or former athletes, and the rest are dignitaries from political, business, education and entertainment circles.

The flame will pass through landmark buildings in Hong Kong on Friday, and more than 3,000 police officers will be deployed to ensure an orderly relay.