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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, arrived in Nanjing yesterday (August 16) and began his visit to the city. He attended the opening ceremony of the 2nd Summer Youth Olympic Games last night.
Mr Tsang watched events in which Hong Kong athletes were taking part, including badminton, fencing and swimming today (August 17). He later paid a visit to the Youth Olympics Village and met the representatives from Hong Kong. Mr Tsang encouraged the athletes to try their best and strive for excellent results, and reminded them to seize the opportunity to interact with young athletes from around the world, experience different cultures and establish friendships so that the spirit of the Olympics could be extended. Mr Tsang also thanked the coaches, volunteers and supporting organisations for their participation and support.
The Home Affairs Bureau subsidised the participation of the athletes in the Youth Olympic Games this year through the Arts and Sport Development Fund. The Summer Youth Olympic Games is held once every four years. Athletes aged between 15 and 18 are eligible to participate. This year 18 athletes are representing Hong Kong in eight events, namely badminton, equestrian, fencing, golf, windsurfing, table tennis, triathlon and swimming competitions.
The selection of athletes was based on the selection mode formulated by the Olympic Games. Local national sports associations, together with the related international sports associations of the events, nominated the athletes to the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). The SF&OC finally submitted a list of competing athletes to the International Olympic Committee and the organising committee of the Youth Olympic Games.
Mr Tsang will continue to watch events that Hong Kong athletes are taking part in tomorrow (August 18). He will return to Hong Kong in the afternoon.
Ends/Sunday, August 17, 2014
Issued at HKT 15:02
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