CE congratulates Hong Kong athletes for achievements in Asian Games Hangzhou
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Mr Lee said, "This is the largest Hong Kong delegation ever to participate in the Asian Games. The athletes lived up to expectations and won a total of 53 medals, comprising eight gold medals, 16 silver medals and 29 bronze medals. The results were very encouraging, with the total number of medals and sports events surpassed any previous Asian Games.
"The Hong Kong athletes won gold medals in rowing, fencing, swimming, rugby, golf, cycling and bridge. The Hong Kong men's football team also made a historic appearance in the semi-finals of the Asian Games, arousing the passion of fans across Hong Kong. Their spirit of hard work has won everyone's applause and support.
"The Hong Kong athletes had endured arduous training over the years and fought hard in the competitions, displaying professional sportsmanship. I believe that all Hong Kong people, like myself, are extremely proud of the grace shown by all our athletes in the Games.
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), will hold a welcome home ceremony on October 14. I look forward to extending my congratulations to the athletes in person.
"The HKSAR Government will continue to fully support Hong Kong athletes and the development of sports in Hong Kong. Over the years, the Government has continued to provide resources to the Hong Kong Sports Institute, the SF&OC as well as various national sports associations to promote the development of elite athletes. Taking the budget expenditure for 2023-24 as an example, we have provided approximately $1.18 billion in funding to carry out work relating to supporting elite sports.
"The Government will continue to make every effort to promote sports development in Hong Kong. In addition to the policy objectives of supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events and promoting sports in the community, we will explore ways to further promote sports development in Hong Kong through enhanced professionalism in the sports sector and development of sports as an industry. We will continue to listen to the views of the sports sector and the public on sports development and introduce suitable measures to boost the sports culture in the community and raise the performance level of sports."
Ends/Sunday, October 8, 2023
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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