***************************************************

The Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, today (September 28) congratulated the Hong Kong delegation to the Athens 2004 Paralympic Games for winning a record 19 medals.

Hong Kong scored 11 gold, seven silver and one bronze medals and ranked first on the medals table of the wheelchair fencing event with a record eight gold medals, five silver and one bronze.

In the 2000 Paralympic Games in Sydney, Hong Kong netted 18 medals, comprising eight gold, three silver and seven bronze.

Mr Tung was deeply impressed by the outstanding performance of the delegation.

"I would like to convey my heartfelt appreciation to each and every member of the delegation. Their achievements have earned the recognition and acclaim of the community," he said.

The Secretary for Home Affairs, Dr Patrick Ho, also extended his congratulations to the delegation, saying he was proud of the team and its excellent sportsmanship demonstrated throughout the Games.

The Hong Kong team of 26 athletes competed in six events - athletics, boccia, judo, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing - in the Paralympics held between September 18 and 28.

Hong Kong was represented in boccia, judo and ladies' wheelchair fencing for the first time.

The delegation will leave Athens tomorrow after attending the closing ceremony of the Games and return to Hong Kong on Thursday (September 30).

Ends/Tuesday, September 28, 2004

NNNN