Olympic torch relay ends in Macao

BEIJING, May 3 (UPI) -- The Beijing Olympics torch relay reached China's Macao region Saturday, marked by a stirring speech from Macao official Leong Heng Teng.

The member of the Macao Executive Council said the Olympic event represented both peace and friendship, along with recognizing the glory of the Olympic Games, Xinhua reported.

"The lighting of the Beijing Olympic torch relay's cauldron signifies the successful completion of the Olympic flame's relay around Macao on this memorable day," Leong said.

"Representing peace, friendship and joy, today's inspiring event has further intensified the passion we have for the values of the Olympic movement."

The ceremony at Macao Fisherman's Wharf included 120 torchbearers and a number of traditional Chinese dragon boats, the state-run Chinese news agency reported.

The torch relay was expected to leave the region soon to begin its journey across the Chinese mainland to the province of Hainan.