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The Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games concluded successfully on November 27. The Hong Kong, China delegation achieved their best-ever results at the Games by setting a new Asian record of 33.94 seconds in the Cycling (Track) Women's 500m Time Trial and winning a total of 40 medals, comprising eight gold, 15 silver and 17 bronze.
To commend the outstanding performance of the Hong Kong athletes, the Government and the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), today (December 1) held a celebration reception at Chater Garden in Central. The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, officiated at the reception to present certificates of appreciation to the athletes who won gold medals at the Games.
Also officiating at the ceremony were the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, and the President of the SF&OC, Mr Timothy Fok. They presented certificates of appreciation to the athletes who won silver and bronze medals at the Games.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Tsang congratulated the Hong Kong athletes on their brilliant achievements, in which the people of Hong Kong all took pride. He praised the athletes for another impressive performance following the East Asian Games last year.
He also commended the Hong Kong athletes for their whole-hearted efforts and indomitable spirit in striving for the best. He called on them to persist in their efforts and to triumph once again in the international sports arena.
Mr Tsang said that the Government would continue to attach importance to the long-term development of sports, adding that bidding for the Asian Games would certainly not affect the allocation of government resources in these areas but would complement them instead.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Fok said that the Hong Kong delegation had achieved the best-ever results at the Asian Games, ranking 11th in the medal tally among the 45 participating delegations.
He said he believed that by taking part in such high-level competitions, Hong Kong athletes would enhance their skills. Their perseverance, determination and strong will were demonstrated at the Games.
Mr Fok added that the athletes' remarkable performance was the result of support from the Government and different sectors in the community, together with the athletes' arduous training.
The Asian Games are held every four years. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent the largest-ever delegation to take part in the Games this year. It comprised more than 540 members and competed in 34 sports.
Ends/Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:10
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