Lusofonia Games concludes in Macao

The first Lusofonia Games ended here Sunday, as Brazil donned the first place on the medal list with 29 golds, 19 silvers and nine bronzes.

Some 700 athletes from 11 Portuguese-speaking nations and regions contested in the nine-day games, featuring eight major events and 48 gold medals.

Manuel Silverio, chief of the organizers, said while addressing the closing ceremony that the games fostered understanding and friendship among the Portuguese countries and regions.

"The largest ever event of the Portuguese-speaking countries and regions make us feel that when we are together, we are united for the common development," Silverio said.

The flag of the Lusofonia Games was handed over at the closing ceremony to Jose Vicente Moura, president of Portugal Olympic Committee.

The second edition is to be hosted by Portugal in 2009.

Source: Xinhua