The President of the East Asian Games Association, Eddie Laam Wah Ying, gave a welcome speech and thanked the Macau SAR Government for all the support. He felt it an honor for making Macau "the proud owner of 12 international standard venues."

The Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Macau East Asian Games Organization Committee (MEAGOC), Manuel Silverio, praised the spirit of the Macau people, and said the Games were opened after 1,915 days of preparation. "The hosting of the fourth East Asian Games is one of the finest demonstrations of the success after the Handover," said Silverio, referring to the 1999 change of sovereignty from Portugal to China.

This Games is the first event that gathered the largest number of volunteers in Macau. Most athletes and participants were very impressed by the devotion and enthusiasm of local volunteers. The volunteer program was one of the major tasks of MEAGOC.

Before the Games was opened, MEAGOC gathered a large audience in the Macau Stadium, one of the new constructions for the event, hosted the "Flame of the Future" Torch Relay and Dedication Pledge for the East Asian Games 2005.

According to some volunteers, they appreciated that MEAGCO provided several training courses. Provided with adequate education on the East Asian Games and Olympic ideals and some games rules, all the volunteers were well prepared for this important event.

To pander to the volunteer program of the 4th East Asian Games, the University of Macau made an announcement permitting year 2 to year 4 students to be absent for classes during the event in order to encourage students to participate in helping in this event. For the Chinese Department, they had supported it by having no classes during the event as half of their department students were participating in the volunteer program. Many students appreciated the announcement which meant that they would have no concerns in joining the volunteer program.

Maria Cheong, a second year student of FSH, participated in the volunteer program as a transportation coordinator. Her responsibility was to escort athletes to the sport venues. She felt honored for participating in the volunteer work as she learnt how to allocate the time properly.

Gary Chan, another second year student, helped as a tourist guide in the volunteer program. His responsibility was to guide athletes on sightseeing tours. For being a tourist guide, he had made some research on the historical information of Macau.

Alexandra Lai, a third year student, played an important role as a MC in the event. Being a sports MC for the first time, she had made some research on specific sports terminology. Lai found it very practical which made her more confident in her personal participation.

Alberto Bettencourt, a fourth year student shared his unique experience during the opening ceremony as a performer. His role in a show was how and what Portuguese traders were doing during the 16th century arrival in Macau. The honorable role that he engaged in with heart and spirit will be remembered for the rest of his life. "I cannot forget the emotion that all of us felt on the Stadium stage," he said. Being part of a casting group that included 30 talents, both Chinese and Portuguese, Bettencourt's performance was broadcast by CCTV and other TV network channels.

Macau residents felt proud for dedicating themselves to the East Asian Games that have fulfilled the expectations of participating East Asian countries and regions. Celia Lai, a secondary student, appreciated the job arrangement, as the Volunteer Department considered their age, qualification and aspiration before assigning a job for them to do. She felt pleased to participate in this event.

Ieong Lai Man, a souvenir owner commented that this event would attract more travelers and investments. Leong Ka Wai, a worker, adding that EAG would really help the Macau economy as it has created a lot of job opportunities and he also hoped that the event can bring more prosperity.

The Macau SAR has demonstrated its full support through its policies and actions in order to ensure a smooth and successful organization of this important Asian event. Several new sports venues were constructed to hold the EAG, Macau Olympic Aquatic Centre, Macau Stadium, Macau Hockey Centre, Macau East Asian Games Dome, Macau International Shooting Range, Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion, IPM Mulitsport Pavilion and Macau Forum.

Seven countries and regions participated in this competition. Japan, South Korea, Mongolia, China, Hong Kong and Macau and Chinese Taipei, all of them gave their best in 17 sports for 234 medals.

It is highly expected that with the successful completion of the 4th East Asian Games, Macau in the future will be able to host different international activities and improve its international image. Also, the Games can act as an excellent platform of all Asian sports events, which would contribute to the development of sports in Asia.