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Following is the speech (translation) made by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the Busan Asian Games flag-presentation ceremony at Government House today (August 6):
Mr Fok, ladies and gentlemen,
Four years ago, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region delegation participated in the Bangkok Asian Games under the name of Hong Kong, China for the first time and won altogether five gold, six silver and six bronze medals, marking a glorious chapter in the history of Hong Kong sports. That was absolutely exhilarating to all of us. Our team will again participate in the Busan Asian Games this year and I strongly believe our athletes will strive on to accomplish the best results for Hong Kong.
All our young athletes look smart and high-spirited today. Indeed, I know each and every one of you have been practising painstakingly days and nights before, and here I, on behalf of our fellow citizens, wish you all good luck to make success with your best physique in the forthcoming games.
The Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination results will be released tomorrow and this year we have, out of the total 130 000 candidates, over 65 000 Fifth Formers attempting the examination for the first time. There must be some coming out with flying colours and some less impressive. For those brilliant ones, I share their deserving pride in sweeping excellent results with their hard work. Life ahead is long and full of challenges, so keep on with your efforts to make the most remarkable achievements. For those who have fallen short this time, don't lose heart. Learn from our athletes' perseverance and determination to succeed against all odds. Stand up to adversities, have faith in your own selves and exert your utmost to rise to any challenges ahead.
Facing the challenge of the knowledge-based economy, the Government is committed to sustaining investments in education to upgrade the education quality of our younger generation and lay a good foundation for further development of Hong Kong. Meanwhile, we fully understand that the aspirations and potential of our young people vary from one to another, as is their pace of growth at different ages. For them we will provide diversified opportunities of learning and education, be it academic studies, sports, music, culture or arts. This will enable them to equip themselves in accordance with their own potential and aspirations and to make contribution in different fields.
I hope that youngsters in Hong Kong will learn from the sportsmanship and enterprising spirits of our athletes. As the saying goes, success is never final and failure never fatal. It's courage that counts.
Thank you.
End/Tuesday, August 6, 2002
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