CE congratulates Hong Kong athletes for achievements in Asian Para Games Hangzhou

     The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (October 28) extended his congratulations to Hong Kong athletes on achieving outstanding results in the 4th Asian Para Games Hangzhou, commending their distinguished performance and noble sportsmanship.

     Mr Lee said, "The Hong Kong team won a total of 47 medals, comprising eight gold medals, 15 silver medals and 24 bronze medals. Breakthroughs were achieved in swimming including breaking several Asian Para Games records and winning all three medals in the same event. Their achievements are most heartening.

     "All along, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been supporting the participation by persons with disabilities in sports to demonstrate their talents. In this Asian Para Games, athletes of the Hong Kong team, as in the past, demonstrated their perseverance in competitions. They have earned the admiration of all Hong Kong people and made us proud. 

     "In recent years, the Government has significantly increased its resources for persons with disabilities in sports development. For this financial year alone, a budget of over $130 million has been earmarked, representing an increase of 80 per cent as compared to five years ago. The Government, in collaboration with the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, has launched a five-year pilot programme on career and education for athletes with disabilities in June this year to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills so as to facilitate their integration into society and post-athletic transformation for their second-career development in the future. The HKSAR Government will continue to put in resources with a view to supporting the athletes with disabilities in sports development."