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Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, welcomed Ireland's decision that athletes from the Philippines can attend next month's Special Olympics World Summer Games in Dublin.
Dr Ho said it is in the spirit of the Games to enable the participation of as many athletes as possible.
He noted that the video conference held last night between medical experts in HK and Ireland had helped both sides to understand their respective positions.
"Our team, led by Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan, has gained a better understanding of the concerns of the Irish authorities and the Irish community," he said
Dr Ho reiterated the strong desire of Hong Kong's athletes to attend the Games as they had trained a long time, some up to eight years, for this.
"It will be a great encouragement if they can take part."
He said the Hong Kong athletes would bring good will, and not trouble, certainly not SARS, to Ireland.
"That is why the Hong Kong Special Olympics has initiated extra precautionary measures to ensure that every member of the Hong Kong delegation is medically proved to be healthy before going to Ireland.
"Sportsmanship and friendship is the only thing our athletes would want to take to Ireland," said Dr Ho.
End/Thursday, May 22, 2003
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