CE welcomes the return of the Hong Kong Delegation from the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games (with photos/video)
************************************************************

     At a reception held today (September 18) in honour of the Hong Kong Delegation to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, welcomed the return of the athletes and sent them his warmest congratulations on their great achievements at the Games.

     The Hong Kong delegation fetched a total of 11 medals, comprising five gold, three silver and three bronze, at the Beijing Paralympic Games. Track athlete So Wah-wai finished the 200M ¡V T36 (Men) race in 24.65 seconds, breaking the world record he maintained and earning him a gold medal for the third consecutive Paralympic Games.

     Mr Tsang presented certificates of appreciation to the 22 Hong Kong athletes who took part in the Games.  The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, in his capacity as the chairman of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Equestrian Events Hong Kong Fund, presented commemorative medallions to them.

     A total of 22 athletes took part in eight competition events at the Paralympic Games, namely athletics, boccia, equestrian, rowing, power lifting, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.

     The Delegation, accompanied by the Secretary for Home Affairs, was presented with bouquets by some 200 enthusiastic students upon their arrival at the Hong Kong International Airport. Also greeting them at the airport were the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Thomas Chow, and representatives from the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled.

Ends/Thursday, September 18, 2008
Issued at HKT 21:39

NNNN