From left Mr. TAM Wing pong, Postmaster General officiated, Mr. Rafael HUI Si-yan, GBM,GBS,JP, Member of the Executive Council, Dr. Allan ZEMAN, Chairman of Ocean Park Hong Kong after special stamps issuing take a group.

Hong Kong Post issued today (1 July 2008) the “Giant Pandas “Special Stamps. At a ceremony held in the morning at Ocean Park, Mr. Rafael HUI Si-yan, GBM,GBS,JP, Member of the Executive Council, Dr. Allan ZEMAN, Chairman of Ocean Park Hong Kong, and Mr. TAM Wing pong, Postmaster General officiated the issue of the special stamps by stamping an enlarged first day cover.

Mr. Tam has announced that a total of $ 1,375,000 was raised at the sale of limited edition prestige stamp products with a Giant Panda paw print. Mr. Hui presented the cheque donation on behalf of HongKong Post to De. ZEMAN and Ms Judy Chen, Chair of Ocean Park Conservation Foundation Hong Kong to support the rebuilding of panda facilities in Sichuan.

China Stay perfect in World Grand Prix after beating Italy in an epic, 18-25, 25-20, 21-25, 27-25, 15-8.

"I would like to thank the team for their effort during difficult times today, they were able to perform to their standard, but still some opportunities were not seized well enough," China Head Coach Chen Zhonghe said after the match against the Italians. "Zhao Ruirui has missed Volleyball matches for three years due to injury. This tournament gave her a chance to re-build confidence.

"We are going to face many strong teams in the Olympics, including six to seven teams that are of world standard. We have to strive very hard and the results will depend much on their performance in court."

Chinese standby players celebrate after beating Italy during the FIVB World Grand Prix women's volleyball tournament.

Photo by Fu Ching Tak