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The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang today (August 27) officiated at a welcome home reception hosted by Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, for the Hong Kong athletes in praise of their performances at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
Speaking at the reception at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Games, Mr Tsang said he admired the Hong Kong athletes' vigorous training and continuous participation in various competitions that made them eligible to take part in the Olympic Games, adding that it was a golden opportunity to be participants in the Games.
The 72 strong Hong Kong delegation took part in the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games with 35 athletes participating in 11 sports - swimming, athletics, badminton, cycling, equestrian, fencing, rowing, sailing, shooting, table tennis and triathlon. The Chief Executive presented certificates of appreciation to the athletes.
Mr Tsang said that Hong Kong was one of the places in Asia which excelled in many sports, with its swimming team breaking five Hong Kong records. Despite its first-time participation, Hong Kong's equestrian riders got into the third round; the two sailing athletes were among the top 10, and Hong Kong table tennis athletes reached the quarter-finals both in men’s and women’s singles.
Also attending today's reception were the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs Carrie Yau; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Thomas Chow; the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr Timothy Fok; and Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong Delegation to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, Mr Victor Hui. A variety show was staged at the reception to entertain the athletes and guests.
Mr Tsang Tak-sing, in the capacity of the chairman of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Equestrian Events Hong Kong Fund, presented commemorative medallions to the Hong Kong athletes.
Ends/Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:23
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