Speech by CE at flag presentation ceremony for HK delegation to Olympic Games (English only) (with photos/video)

Speech by CE at flag presentation ceremony for HK delegation to Olympic Games (English only) (with photos/video)
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     Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at the Flag Presentation Ceremony for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the London 2012 Olympic Games at Government House today (July 10):

Mr (Timothy) Fok, Mr Pang (Chung), Ms (Vivien) Lau, athletes, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. In just about a fortnight, the London 2012 Olympic Games will begin. This year, some 17 000 athletes from over 200 countries and regions will be competing at the Games. Getting qualified for the Olympics is a trial by itself, which is all the more plausible for us to rejoice in sending the largest delegation since 1997 to London. Forty-two outstanding Hong Kong athletes will soon be competing in 13 sports against the best from the four corners of the world. And we have the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China to thank for training and preparing them for the upcoming challenges.

     Hong Kong may be a small player among the 204 recognised National Olympic Committees of the Olympic Family, but we can be giants with tenacity and determination. I have met some of the athletes before the ceremony and they seal my belief in pursuing excellence relentlessly with their impressive spirit and resolve. They all have attained remarkable achievements through many years of training and hard work, but equally praiseworthy is a supportive and dedicated team of coaches and officials, encouraging and helping them to fulfil their sporting dreams. Rest assured that the whole community of Hong Kong will be cheering for all of you all the way through the Games.

     I congratulate Mr Fok and his colleagues on fielding a formidable delegation to the London Olympics. Under the leadership of Mr Fok, the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China has been a staunch supporter of the Government's push for sports development, and I look forward to working closely with the Federation, particularly in helping local athletes to raise their competitiveness and achieve outstanding results in the international sports arena.

     In closing, may I wish members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation the best of luck and may the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region fly high in the Olympics. Thank you.

Ends/Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:46

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