Hong Kong people have been filled with joy amid the visit of Rio 2016 Olympic Games Mainland Olympians who staged demonstrations in badminton, table tennis, diving as well as sharing with local athletes and youth uniformed groups on their awards and successful experience this morning (August 28).

     The delegation of the Mainland Olympians was arranged into several groups to meet the people at close range this morning. Two groups of athletes gave badminton and table tennis demonstrations at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, and diving demonstration at Victoria Park Swimming Pool respectively. The audiences applauded the athletes for the displays of their superb athletic skills, which have deeply impressed the Hong Kong citizens.

     Besides demonstrations, the Mainland Olympians in badminton and table tennis also had friendly matches with their Hong Kong counterparts. Some of the spectators were selected by drawing lots and granted a rare chance to participate in the sports-for-fun sessions. At the diving demonstration, the Mainland Olympians had a friendly chat and skills exchange with some local young athletes. Both sports demonstration events featured lucky draws to pick out lucky spectators to be awarded badminton and table tennis rackets autographed by members of the national badminton and table tennis teams, as well as T-shirts autographed by the national diving and swimming team members.

     The impressive demonstrations at Queen Elizabeth Stadium and Victoria Park Swimming Pool this morning attracted more than 4 700 members of the public and guests to watch as spectators. The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Carrie Lam, and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah, visited the demonstrations held at the two venues respectively and greeted members of the delegation.

     Those who were unable to secure tickets were able to enjoy the television live broadcasts for the events participated by the Mainland Olympians.

     Meanwhile, another group of Mainland Olympians attended the "Visit of the Mainland Olympians Delegation - Exchange with Youth of Hong Kong" at the Ma On Shan Sports Centre to meet with some 1 300 members of the youth uniformed groups and local youth and joined interactive games with the youth. The exchange with the Olympians was arranged for Hong Kong youngsters to learn about the virtue of sport, that is perseverance and never giving up. The Acting Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Laurie Lo, also attended the event.

     Various Mainland Olympian delegates also took the opportunity to meet different groups of members of the Hong Kong public, including the China Women's National Volleyball Team visiting an elderly home and playing with children from grassroots families this morning, as well as joining other community events or sharing and gathering sessions with students during their three-day tour.

Ends/Sunday, August 28, 2016
Issued at HKT 12:14

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