The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) held a welcome home reception at Ma On Shan Sports Centre, Sha Tin, today (September 16) to greet the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games returning from the Games.
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, officiated at the reception. He presented certificates of commendation to the Hong Kong athletes who participated in the Games in recognition of their excellent performance at the Games; and extended his appreciation to the coaches, medical team and staff of the Delegation, as well as the relevant sports committees and sports associations.
Mr Lee said that the athletes overcame their physical limitations to compete in the Games, showcasing their indomitable sportsmanship. When they step onto the field, they show the world the Hong Kong spirit of becoming stronger in the face of challenges. They serve as examples of telling good Hong Kong stories on the international stage.
The Government has long been supporting the development of sports for persons with disabilities (PWDs), and the resources allocated to athletes with disabilities have been increasing. In this financial year, the Government has allocated over $130 million for promoting the development of sports for PWDs, an increase of over 40 per cent compared to five years ago. In collaboration with the HKPC, the Government has launched a five-year pilot programme on career and education for athletes with disabilities to assist them in acquiring the necessary knowledge and skill sets for their post-athletic transformation. The programme will help them start their "second careers", allowing them to focus on their training and competition without worries. Mr Lee added that the outstanding performance of the athletes in the Paris Paralympic Games reflects the effectiveness of the Government's efforts in promoting disability sports.
The 2024 Paralympic Games was held between August 28 and September 8 this year in Paris, France. A total of 23 Hong Kong athletes were sent to take part in eight competition events, namely archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, equestrian, swimming, table tennis and wheelchair fencing. With their exceptional skills and perseverance, the Hong Kong team won eight medals in total, including three gold, four silver and one bronze medals in the events of swimming, boccia and badminton. Their performance was impressive, and the results were exciting.
Also attending the event today were the Secretary General of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Wang Songmiao; Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR Mr Fang Jianming; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing; the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Kevin Yeung; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Vincent Liu; the Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Ms Christile Drulhe; the President of the HKPC, Mrs Jenny Fung; the Chef de Mission of Hong Kong, China Delegation to Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, Dr John Leung; and the Honorary President of the HKPC, Dr York Chow.
After the reception, Mr Lee hosted a luncheon at Government House to commend the Delegation for their efforts and outstanding performance in the Games.
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