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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Delegation scored seven medals at the 12th National Games, including one gold, three silvers and three bronzes. The HKSAR Government hosted a Welcome Home Ceremony this evening (September 25) to celebrate the delegation's triumphant return.
At the ceremony, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, said top-notch athletes from all provinces and cities in the Mainland participated in the National Games, making the event very competitive. Hong Kong athletes persevered and overcame various obstacles along the way to reach their goals, demonstrating their strong determination and unswerving will.
Mr Tsang commended Hong Kong athletes for their unremitting efforts to excel in the Games. They also set a good example to the younger generation.
He said he hoped Hong Kong athletes would keep up the good efforts and perform well in the 2013 East Asian Games to be held this October in Tianjin and the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, South Korea.
The 12th National Games was held in Liaoning Province between August 31 and September 12 this year. The HKSAR made its fifth entry to the National Games since 1997. The Hong Kong Delegation sent more than 200 athletes to take part in 20 final competitions, namely aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, golf, gymnastics, men's handball, judo, rugby, windsurfing, shooting, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, beach volleyball and wushu (taolu). Among these, golf and rugby were first introduced to the Games this year.
The seven medals at the 12th National Games were won by Miss Lee Wai-sze (cycling), Mr Chan Chun-hing (cycling), Mr Cheung King-lok (cycling), Mr Nicholas Choi (fencing), Miss Jacqueline Lai (equestrian), the Hong Kong rugby team and the Hong Kong golf team (Please see the Annex for the medal results of the HKSAR Delegation at the 12th National Games).
Hong Kong athletes also made their way to the final eight in the following competitions: cycling, equestrian, rugby, golf, fencing, gymnastics, badminton, handball, athletics and tennis. In addition, the Hong Kong athletics team and the Hong Kong cycling team broke the Hong Kong records in the Men's 4x400m Relay and Men's Team Pursuit events respectively.
Today's ceremony was held at the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, International Commerce Centre. Also officiating at the ceremony were the President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the HKSAR Delegation (OC), Mr Timothy Fok; the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs and the Honorary Adviser of the HKSAR Delegation, Mr Raymond Young; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services and the Vice Chairman of the OC; Mrs Betty Fung; and the Vice Chairman of the OC and the Chairman of the Executive Committee under the OC, Professor Frank Fu. The officiating guests presented commendation certificates to the athletes who achieved outstanding results at the 12th National Games.
Ends/Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:51
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