About 12,000 people paraded through streets of Wanchai in Hong Kong Tuesday evening to mark the opening of the 88th Lions Clubs International (LCI) Convention.

Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization dedicated to helping the less fortune in the community. It has nearly 1.4 million members in 193 countries and geographic areas.

Lions members in national costume from more than 100 countries across the world together with more than 20 uniformed teams from different associations and schools in Hong Kong marched from Golden Bauhinia Square to Tamar Site between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

International President of LCI Clement F. Kusiak and Hong Kong Secretary of Hong Affairs presided over the opening ceremony of the parade.

They participated with other officiating guests in a traditional Chinese lions "eye-dotting" ceremony to mark the beginning of the festivities.

"The parade is always a convention highlight for both the Lionsand the people of the hosting city and we look forward to celebrating the work of the Lions Club with them," said Kusiak.

 During the convention, from June 27 to July 1, close to 20,000 Lions members around the world will take part in a host of activities and programs that include special tours, visits and an entertainment show.

 This is the second time Hong Kong became the hosting city of the convention since 1992. 

Editor: Yan