Rio Olympics' Mainland gold medallists to visit Hong Kong (with photo/video)
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The visit is co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and is supported by the Chinese Olympics Committee. The Home Affairs Bureau, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the SF&OC held a press conference today (August 17) to announce the details of the visit.
Chairing the press conference, the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Michelle Li, said that the national team of athletes, following their relentless efforts in training, has demonstrated perseverance and superb skills in the international events of the Rio Olympics. She said that their outstanding achievements are to be congratulated, and the General Administration of Sport of China will lead a delegation of Mainland gold medallists to share their joy and glory with Hong Kong people.
The national athletes will arrive in Hong Kong in the afternoon on August 27. A welcoming ceremony will be held at the Hong Kong International Airport to receive the delegation. In the evening, the HKSAR Government will hold a cocktail reception and dinner party for the delegation.
In the morning on August 28, the national athletes will be arranged into three groups to meet the public. Two groups of athletes will give a table tennis demonstration at Queen Elizabeth Stadium from 9.30am to 11.30am and a diving demonstration at Victoria Park Swimming Pool from 10am to 11.30am. Another group of athletes will take part in an exchange session with youth uniformed groups at Ma On Shan Sports Centre.
A variety show, "A Date with the Mainland Olympic Gold Medallists", will also be held between 4.30pm and 6pm on the same day at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, during which the public can get up close with the athletes.
In the morning on August 29, the delegation will visit the Hong Kong Sports Institute to share their experience of success in sport with Hong Kong junior athletes. The delegation will leave Hong Kong for Macau in the afternoon.
The Vice President of the SF&OC, Mr Karl Kwok, said that the Mainland Olympic gold medallists' visit to Hong Kong and their sport demonstrations would give a chance for local people to witness their splendid talents in sport in person, as well as foster the spirit of sport for all and encourage the public to take part in sport activities.
The Principal Assistant Secretary for Home Affairs (Recreation and Sport), Miss Petty Lai, said that around 900 free tickets have been reserved for the subvented welfare service units of non-governmental welfare organisations receiving subvention from the Social Welfare Department.
Special ticket arrangements for the sport demonstrations and the variety show have been made because of their expected popularity.
Starting from 10am on August 22 (Monday), tickets will be available for sale at Hong Kong City Hall, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Sha Tin Town Hall and Tuen Mun Town Hall at $20 each with free seating. Only cash will be accepted.
In order to let more people have a chance to enjoy the demonstrations and the variety show, each person can buy a maximum of two tickets per transaction in regard to the three events.
Over 6 600 tickets are reserved for the public. Among these, around 2 400 are for the table tennis demonstration, around 1 800 are for the diving demonstration, and around 2 400 are for the variety show, including the total of around 900 free tickets that have been reserved for application by subvented welfare service units of non-governmental welfare organisations receiving subvention from the Social Welfare Department.
Broadcast arrangements have also been made for the sport demonstrations and the variety show so that those who are unable to secure tickets can still watch the events on television at home.
For enquiries about the sport demonstrations and the variety show, please call 1823 or visit the designated website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/rio2016/index.html.
Ends/Wednesday, August 17, 2016
Issued at HKT 19:18
Issued at HKT 19:18
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Press conference on visit by Rio Olympics Mainland gold medallists delegation to Hong Kong