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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, started his visit to London by attending the flag-raising ceremony of the Hong Kong, China delegation to the London 2012 Paralympic Games yesterday (August 27). He also visited the Hong Kong delegation office and athletes' units at the Paralympic Village.
The flag-raising ceremony was held at the Paralympic Village in the afternoon. Meeting the Hong Kong athletes after the ceremony, Mr Tsang said our physically disabled athletes' standard in sports has been on the rise in recent years. The athletes have achieved outstanding results in major international events, fully displaying their tenacity and perseverance.
He encouraged the athletes to strive for their best in the forthcoming paralympic competitions, and expressed his gratitude to the coaches, volunteers, support organisations and the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Sports Association for the Physically Disabled for their support. To show the Government's support for the athletes, funding from the Arts and Sports Development Fund was granted for them to prepare for and participate in the Paralympic Games.
The 14th Paralympic Games will be held in London from August 29 to September 9. A total of 28 Hong Kong athletes will take part in seven events including athletics, boccia, equestrianism, shooting, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.
Mr Tsang will visit London's cultural facilities and meet with members of the cultural sector today (August 28).
Ends/Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Issued at HKT 12:02
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