The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (February 26) hosted a dinner at Government House in welcoming the national men's basketball team (Team China) playing home matches in Hong Kong and expressing his wish that athletes of Team China would continue to perform strongly in the upcoming matches of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) Basketball World Cup.

     Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to the country for its trust and support in assigning Hong Kong as the home venue of the FIBA Basketball World Cup this time, which is the first time Hong Kong served as the home venue for the national team. He said the matches showcased three unique features of Hong Kong, namely contributing to the country's rapid development by leveraging its advantages under the "one country, two systems" principle; hosting top-tier international mega events by seizing the country's strong support; and driving vibrant sports development through the demonstration of masterly skills by world-class athletes. Mr Lee also wished the national team every success in the World Cup Finals and earn glory for the country.

     These matches showed that Hong Kong has the ability to host top-tier international sports events. Moreover, they provided the people of Hong Kong with an excellent opportunity to enjoy the masterly skills of world-class basketball players, as well as enhance locally the all-rounded development of sports, our sports culture and the atmosphere of exercising. They also helped lay solid foundations for Hong Kong to host the 15th National Games in 2025.

     Apart from the President of the China Basketball Association and the Manager of Team China, Mr Yao Ming; and members of Team China, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Ms Lu Xinning; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr Timothy Fok; the Secretary General of the FIBA, Mr Andreas Zagklis; as well as other relevant officials and guests also attended the dinner.

Ends/Sunday, February 26, 2023
Issued at HKT 21:17

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