Chief Executive Donald Tsang hailed the athletes' performances saying they have overcome incredible odds in an unyielding spirit to win the medals.

"All members of the Hong Kong team have done their best and excelled themselves. All of us in Hong Kong are proud of them and their achievements," he said.

 The Hong Kong delegation will return tomorrow. Mr Tsang will attend the welcome reception and present certificates of appreciation to the athletes.

September 17, 2008

Wheelchair fencer Yu Chui-yee won gold and her teammate Fan Pui-shan bronze in the women's individual foil event. Chan Yui-chong captured the other gold in the women's individual epee event.

Secretary for Home Affairs Tsang Tak-sing applauded their efforts.

"The achievements of the athletes are the result of their hard work and tenacity over the years. We are all very proud of their excellent performance," Mr Tsang said.

He later cheered for Yu Chun-lai competing in the women's 100 metres event.

Meanwhile, this morning he visited the China Story exhibition in Beijing Olympic Park to see its traditional, ethnic and folk culture exhibits. It is co-organised by the Beijing Organising Committee and the Ministry of Culture, with participation from the Hong Kong Museum of History.

He will attend the Paralympic Games closing ceremony in Beijing tomorrow and return to Hong Kong the next day.

September 16, 2008

Upon his arrival in Beijing Mr Tsang watched So Wa-wai break the world record to win gold in the men's 200 metres event at the National Stadium, while wheelchair fencers Yu Chui-yee and Fan Pui-shan won a silver and a bronze.

Mr Tsang said: "We are all very impressed by the three athletes' perseverance and unfailing efforts to excel, which is a full demonstration of sportsmanship."

Hong Kong has scored a total of three gold, two silver and two bronze so far.

September 15, 2008

Mr Lam will also call on the Hong Kong & Macau Affairs Office, the Taiwan Affairs Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He will return to Hong Kong September 19.

Under-secretary for Constitutional & Mainland Affairs Raymond Tam will be acting secretary during Mr Lam's absence

September 15, 2008

In his message sent today Mr Xi said the equestrian events' organisation won unanimous applause from athletes, coaches, officials and spectators. Hong Kong also impressed with its good venues, facilities and support services.

Chief Executive Donald Tsang thanked the Central Government for its support and encouragement, adding it was the city's great honour to be a co-host. He also noted the high praise of the events by the participating teams, spectators and the media.

He attributed the success to support from the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, Federation Equestre Internationale, Beijing Organising Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad, Hong Kong Sports Federation & Olympic Committee, Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, Equestrian Events Hong Kong Fund and the Jockey Club.

Mr Tsang said it was also due to the hard work of government departments, the Equestrian Company and its volunteers, and support from spectators.

"It is our pleasure to participate in the Beijing Olympics. Hong Kong will continue to work hard for the success of the East Asian Games to be held in 2009," he said.

September 15, 2008

Wheelchair fencer Chan Yui-chong won gold in the women's individual foil event, bringing the total number of medals scored by Hong Kong to two gold, one silver and one bronze.

September 14, 2008

Speaking at a party for the volunteers at the Olympic equestrian venue in Sha Tin today, Mr Tsang said the volunteers were an integral part of the success of the Olympic and Paralympic events in Hong Kong.

He commended their enthusiasm and dedication, which helped present the best Games ever to riders and spectators from around the world.

 Mr Tsang said the volunteers are ambassadors for Hong Kong, adding he and the community are proud of their excellent performance.

September 13, 2008

Michael Wong, Bowie Leung and Chiu Yin-mei were three of the scores of volunteers who dedicated their time and talent to help at the Games, learning the spirit of dedication and friendship, and gaining a wealth of experience in hosting international events.

University of Southern California graduate Michael was assigned to serve the Italian Olympic and Paralympic team for his proficiency in their language, while Bowie, who works for the Television & Entertainment Licensing Authority, took care of the Norwegian delegation.

Yin-mei, an administration assistant for a US-based company in Hong Kong, first offered German-language services for the Olympic events and was then assigned to look after German athletes during the Paralympics.

Job preparation

Michael applied for the job because he is a polo lover and wants to help promote the equestrian sport in Hong Kong. The fresh graduate took up the post immediately after he returned to Hong Kong in early July.

"Apart from attending training courses arranged by the Equestrian Company, I also did a lot of preparation for the job. To learn more about the team I was assigned to serve, I searched its background information and individual team members' personal particulars on the Internet," he said.

"I also familiarised myself with competition venues and the athletes' village facilities to ensure accurate information was given to the team. To avoid any communication breakdown, I always brought along a pocket-sized Italian dictionary."

Describing their roles as tourism ambassadors, the three volunteers said taking care of a national team's daily needs was not easy as it tested their patience and problem-solving skills.

They had to pay attention to every minor detail, often handling unexpected and urgent requests. For example Michael needed to help the Italian team buy a mobile electric fridge to store drugs for the riders and horses, and find tailors who could alter their unfitted competition attire. Bowie had to locate a bicycle repair shop for the Norwegian team leader to get her daughter's pram fixed.

HK hospitality

Bowie said Hong Kong people were supportive of the events and showed the city's hospitality.

"They always gave first priority to athletes' requests and did their best to meet their needs. Many delegations were very happy with their efficient and inexpensive services."

 Support from family and friends was essential as the volunteers had to forgo their social and family lives during the events. Yin-mei was particularly appreciative of her employer's understanding, allowing her to do Olympic duties without having to take office leave.

Unforgettable experience

Despite making major adjustments to their daily lives to fulfil their ommitments, the trio said their Olympic volunteer work was an unforgettable, worthwhile and enjoyable experience. They learned a lot from the riders' professionalism and determination, and made many new friends of different backgrounds.

"We still keep in touch with many athletes and other volunteers. Many athletes even sent us emails, thanking us for creating a stress-free environment for them," Michael said. "They were happy with the overall arrangements of the games, and were impressed with Hong Kong's world-class equestrian facilities and efficient transport."

The trio hope to use their newfound skills again by volunteering to help at future international events.

September 13, 2008

Speaking after completion of all Paralympic equestrian events today, Mr Tang said Hong Kong has held a successful Paralympic equestrian competition.

During five days of competition 73 riders from 28 countries and regions contested team and individual dressage events for 11 gold medals.

Successful games

"We have achieved our mission of staging two Games of equal splendour. Each rider deserves a gold medal. The courage, determination and talent of the competitors have been an inspiration to us all and something we will never forget," Mr Tang said.

The International Paralympic Committee and the participating teams praised the excellent equestrian competition venue and facilities, as well as the organisation of the events.

"I am delighted Hong Kong has been able to provide world-class facilities and organisational expertise to help make this a successful competition. We have tried our best to ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable stay for the riders and officials as well as the horses. We have made special efforts in providing a barrier free environment for the athletes," Mr Tang said.

Final farewell

Thanking everyone involved in staging the events, he admitted to some mixed feelings as the curtain comes down on the Paralympics.

"We are thrilled Hong Kong has come through with flying colours as a co-host city for the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is a little sad when a good thing comes to an end and this has been a wonderful Olympic experience for our city.

"As we bid farewell to the Paralympics I have no doubt the Paralympic values of transcendence, integration and equality will remain with us."

September 11, 2008

Boccia competitors Kwok Hoi-ying and Leung Yuk-wing won a gold medal in the mixed individual event and a silver medal in a different category of the mixed individual event. So Wa-wai also won bronze in the men's 100m.

The Chief Executive said he was proud of the creditable performances in a competition of the highest standard.

"I hope Hong Kong athletes do their best and excel themselves in the rest of the games," he said.

September 9, 2008

Mrs Yau was speaking at the launch of the Olympic live site in Hong Kong in Sha Tin Park today, in line with the opening of the Paralympics in the Chinese capital.

To complement the Paralympic equestrian events to be held in Sha Tin, the department will run the Olympic live site today and on September 7, 13 and 14.

The site will provide cultural, sports, and entertainment programmes to enhance the ambience of the Paralympic Games and encourage public participation.

Mrs Yau said through the participation in activities at the site, Hong Kong people would understand more about sports for the disabled, and foster the spirit of a society for all.

Together with guests and participants, Mrs Yau joined a countdown and watched the opening ceremony of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games broadcast live on a giant TV screen.

The department has launched a campaign with the slogan "Go! Go! China! Go! Go! Hong Kong!" for the public to cheer for the Games and the athletes.

People can also show their support through the voting station on the department webpage on the Olympic live site, where they can choose their favourite Paralympic competition events and cheer for Hong Kong athletes.

 hey can also go to a wish-making corner at the live site during opening hours and dates to fill in the cards in person.

September 6, 2008

Ten out of the 240 torchbearers are from Hong Kong, including disabled athletes, their coaches, people who have contributed to promoting sports for the disabled and outstanding disabled people.

On Friday at the Paralympic Village, he presented the Hong Kong delegation with cards carrying best wishes from Hong Kong citizens.

Mr Chow took pride in the athletes for their perseverance in overcoming adversities, enabling them to take part in the Games.

He was confident they would rise to the challenge and bring honour to themselves and Hong Kong.

A total of 22 Hong Kong athletes are competing in athletics, boccia, equestrian, rowing, power lifting, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.

Mr Chow will visit the Fencing Hall at the National Convention Centre on Sunday before returning to Hong Kong.

September 6, 2008