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The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, arrived in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, late last night (August 29) to start his four-day visit. He will attend the 12th National Games to cheer for Hong Kong athletes participating in the National Games.
Mr Tsang, in his capacity as the head of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) delegation to the National Games, attended the heads of delegations meeting today (August 30). He also visited the equestrian and cycling competition venues of the National Games and viewed the training of Hong Kong equestrian and cycling athletes.
In the evening, Mr Tsang visited the Hong Kong athletes at the Athletes' Village and dined with them. He encouraged them to try their best in the competitions to scale new heights and to bring honour home.
Held every four years, the National Games is the most high-level and biggest multi-sport event on the Mainland. The 12th National Games will be held from August 31 to September 12 in Liaoning Province this year. Top-notch athletes from all over the country will compete for the highest honours in 31 sports events.
Hong Kong first participated in the National Games in 1997 and this year marks its fifth entry. The HKSAR delegation comprises a total of 327 members including 223 athletes and 104 officials and medical staff, taking part in 20 final competitions, namely aquatics, archery, athletics, badminton, canoeing, cycling, equestrian, fencing, golf, gymnastics, men's handball, judo, rugby, windsurfing, shooting, table tennis, tennis, triathlon, beach volleyball and wushu taolu. Golf and rugby are the newly added sports events this year.
Mr Tsang will lead the HKSAR delegation to attend the opening ceremony of the 12th National Games at Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium tomorrow (August 31).
Ends/Friday, August 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 19:22
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