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Following is the full text of the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Celebration Reception today (Wednesday) held by the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China for the Hong Kong Delegation to the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok:
Mr Fok, Mr Pang, ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks to all Hong Kong medal winners at the 13th Asian Games held in Bangkok. Thanks to you all, we saw with pride the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flying boldly at the Asian Games. I would also like to extend my warmest congratulations to all Hong Kong delegates, who have earned the acclaim of the entire community by their efforts to reach for a higher goal at the Games, and to challenge themselves as well as the Asian and world records. Whether you were able to win medals or not, we in Hong Kong still admired and were moved by your fighting spirit in the competitions. Here, I would also like to express my appreciation to the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, for its unsparing efforts and tremendous contribution made towards the promotion of the sports development of Hong Kong.
Since the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region upon reunification, this is the first time a Hong Kong delegation has joined the Asian Games in the name of "Hong Kong, China". The winning of 5 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze medals, the highest record ever made by the Hong Kong athletes in major international sports events, is heart-warming and encouraging to all and brings to all of us a sense of pride. By virtue of this historical breakthrough, the Hong Kong athletes have not only established their status in the international sports arena but have also greatly helped to promote the sports development in Hong Kong.
I was greatly moved indeed when Mr Timothy Fok told me yesterday that our gold medal winners were welled up with particular feelings at the sight of the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region being raised to our national anthem. I believe that I can share your feelings. Every athlete representing Hong Kong is a successful athlete. Your achievements were not easy to come by. Without much efforts, pain and sweat, your success would not have been possible. The regional flag rising to our national anthem is a symbol of recognition of your hard work. To all of us in Hong Kong, that is a great honour too.
Indeed, the HKSAR Government attaches importance to our sports policy, which is to ensure that all promising athletes are given proper funding to fully develop their talents. I fully support sports development and will make sure that resources are allocated to meet various needs and that facilities are provided to promote sports development. Since its establishment, the HKSAR Government has largely increased the subsidies for sports development by about 150% from $78m in 1996/97 to $200m this year, of which $60m is earmarked for elite training. Besides, provisions have been made by the HKSAR Government for the athletes to prepare for the Asian Games. Additional subsidies have also been given to physically handicapped athletes.
Yet I think that we can still do better. On television, Miss Lee Lai-shan talked about the second career of athletes as well as their opportunities of further studies. Her remarks have really inspired strong feelings in me.
Mr Fok mentioned professionalisation just now. This is also a good direction we should look into.
The purpose of promoting and developing sports in Hong Kong is to help our people build up a strong constitution. I also hope that you will learn from the great examples set by our brilliant athletes and take a more active part in sports activities. Sports enable us to tap our own potentials and foster the spirit of perseverance and tenacity. Besides, sports development and sports competition are growing forces that unite us and draw us closer to one another. The efforts you have made and the success you have achieved in Thailand will definitely urge the HKSAR Government and the entire community to play a more active role in promoting sports development.
Here I make a pledge to all athletes of Hong Kong that we will definitely attach great importance to your concerns. Let us promote the sports development in Hong Kong with concerted efforts and achieve new heights together.
Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the Hong Kong delegation of the 13th Asian Games again. I hope that you will keep moving ahead and strive for greater achievements for Hong Kong.
Thank you.
Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa and medal winners of the HKSAR team to the 13th Asian Games, pose for a group photograph at the reception.
Photo: Medal winners on board an open-deck bus start their parade along Tsim Sha Tsui East.
End/Wednesday, December 23, 1998
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