The preparation for the Macau 2005 East Asian Games is underway as a contest is being launched to enlist public attention and support to the event, the first regional games to be hosted by the city.

The Mascot and Anthem Contest is organized to pool ideas and talents in helping to create a lucky symbol and theme song for the games. The deadline for applications for the two contests was Feb 28. 

The Mascot and Anthem Contest is open to all interested individuals and groups.  Participants can take part in either one or both sections of the contest.  The mascot competition requires that the Games' symbol should be one, which shows the cultural image of Macau and the spirit of the Games.  For the anthem competition, participants have to compose a song, which can express the spirit of the 2005 East Asian Games.  The song should be in both Chinese and English versions.

The contest is the second such competitions organized by the 2005 East Asian Games Coordination Office. The first one, which focused on creating the Games emblem and slogan held on Nov 3 last year, was very successful in creating universal awareness of the Games within the community. 

In March 1996, Macau was granted the right and honour to host the 4th East Asian Games scheduled to be in 2005.  Since then, many preparatory efforts have been made.  The Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR)Government has demonstrated in action and policy its full support for the Games.  The 2005 East Asian Games Coordination Office was set up in July last year.  Besides, construction of new facilities such as the Macau Stadium, Future Gymnasium and Macau Olympic Aquatic Centre are now in progress.

The 3rd East Asian Games will be held in Osaka, Japan May 19-27 this year.