************************
The following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the flag presentation ceremony for Olympic Games at the Government House:
Mr Fok, Mr Kwok, members of the Hong Kong delegation, friends from the press, ladies and gentlemen,
The Olympic Games is the largest sports event in the world. Athletic elite from different places all take it a great honour to play a part in the Games. I am delighted to see that the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF & OC) is going to send a 60 strong delegation to the Sydney 2000 Olympics to be held this September. The Flag Presentation Ceremony today is especially meaningful because this is the first time since the Reunification for us to join the Games in the name of Hong Kong, China.
It is encouraging that altogether 30 Hong Kong athletes are qualified for the Olympic Games. Such remarkable achievement is indeed the fruits of the persistent efforts made by our athletes, coaches, various national sports associations, the Hong Kong Sports Development Board as well as the SF & OC. I am confident that our athletes will do their utmost to break their own records and demonstrate the lofty spirit of sportsman in the forthcoming Olympic Games.
The HKSAR Government has always attached great importance to the sports development in the territory. With three main objectives in mind, we are playing an active role in promoting sports activities. Firstly, we aim at encouraging our people to take an active part in sports and build up a strong constitution in a bid to develop a healthier and more vibrant community. Secondly, we aim at encouraging our young people to tap their own potentials and develop a strong sense of self-improvement through participation in sports activities. Thirdly, through the participation in international sports events, we aim at developing a cohesive force that will draw our community together to work with unsparing efforts to reach for a common goal and fight for the glory of Hong Kong.
I have full confidence in the sports development of Hong Kong. Following Miss Lee Lai-shan's success in winning the first ever gold medal for Hong Kong in the last Olympic Games, our athletes returned from the last Asian Games in Bangkok with 5 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze medals. Such historic feats prove that with continued efforts, the local athletes are able to accomplish distinguished results in international sports events.
The HKSAR Government fully supports sports development as well as the training up of more brilliant athletes. We will ensure that every talented and promising young athlete is offered every opportunity to give full play to his talent. To further promote the sports development in the HKSAR, we are actively bidding for the hosting of the 2006 Asian Games to enhance the status of Hong Kong as a dynamic city capable of hosting large-scale international sports events and consolidate Hong Kong's position in the international sports arena. I believe that the "can-do" spirit to be displayed by our athletes and their active participation in the forthcoming Olympic Games will help Hong Kong bid for the hosting of the 2006 Asian Games.
Lastly, may I wish all the athletes of Hong Kong excellent performance and tremendous success in the upcoming Olympic Games.
Thank you very much.
Photo: The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, presented flags to representatives of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Sydney 2000 Olympics at Government House today (August 18). Led by the Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong Delegation to the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Mr Karl Kwok, over 30 athletes will compete in the Sydney 2000 Olympics in mid-September. Also present were the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lam Woon-kwong; the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong (SF&OC), Mr Timothy Fok; the Secretary General of SF&OC, Mr Pang Chung. Picture shows Mr Tung presenting the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag to Mr Timthoy FokĄ]second from rightĄ^.
End/Friday, August 18, 2000
NNNN