The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the Commendation Ceremony for the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the 20th Asian Games at the Kowloon Park Sports Centre this afternoon (October 26). He presented certificates of commendation to the medallists in recognition of their outstanding performance in the Games.
The ceremony was jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). The Hong Kong, China delegation of some 580 athletes competed in 38 events and won 54 medals, comprising 11 gold, 19 silver and 24 bronze medals. Both the number of gold medals and the total medal tally were the highest achieved by the delegation at the Asian Games.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said that the athletes' outstanding performance exemplified the hard work and dedication of countless people. He thanked the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI), the SF&OC, national sports associations, coaches and medical teams for their wholehearted guidance and assistance, adding that their comprehensive support provided staunch backing to the athletes.
He also said that the HKSAR Government attaches great importance to sports development. Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan, announced last month, clearly sets out the direction of developing elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong's status as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism and developing sports as an industry, including enhancing athletes' overall standards through the HKSI's elite training system. In the latest Policy Address, he proposed supporting the HKSI in launching a new three-year Sports Executive Training Programme to broaden career pathways for retired athletes and nurture professional management talent for the sports sector.
Other guests attending the ceremony included Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR Mr Sun Shangwu; the President of the SF&OC of Hong Kong, China, Dr Timothy Fok; the Chef de Mission of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the 20th Asian Games, Mr Wong Po-kee; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau, the Commissioner for Sports, Ms Polly Chong; and the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan.
The Asian Games were held from September 19 to October 4. The list of medallists of the Hong Kong, China Delegation is set out in the Annex.
