*********************************************************
The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Henry Tang, today (December 16) met Hong Kong athletes and volunteers participating in the Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games in Guangzhou.
Mr Tang watched Hong Kong table tennis player Ko Hang-yee in competition at the Asian Games Town Gymnasium and chatted with table tennis players afterwards.
At noon, in the canteen at the Athletes' Village, Mr Tang enjoyed lunch with some of the Hong Kong athletes and working staff to share their experiences in training and the Games. This was followed by a tour of the headquarters of the Hong Kong team at the Athletes' Village.
Mr Tang then went to the Zhongda Gymnasium and Guangda Gymnasium to watch Boccia and Wheelchair Fencing competitions, and to meet with athletes and volunteers there.
During their conversation, Mr Tang said that with strong will and perseverance, athletes with disabilities are equally able to fulfill their potential to compete with other top athletes in Asia. Saying that Hong Kong people are proud of their remarkable results, Mr Tang encouraged athletes to continue to strive for their best. He also expressed his deepest thanks to the working staff and volunteers for their selfless support to both athletes and the Games in general.
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is lobbying for the support of the Legislative Council for Hong Kong to bid for the hosting of the 2023 Asian Games. It is a decisive moment and an important commitment in support of sports development in Hong Kong. I hope our athletes will have the opportunity to compete in our home town in 2023 to enjoy the support and cheers on home turf," Mr Tang said.
In Guangzhou, Hong Kong has fielded its largest ever delegation at Asian Para Games, with more than 100 athletes and some 60 working staff and some 20 volunteers taking part in 14 sporting events.
Mr Tang will fly to Beijing in the evening for a duty visit.
Ends/Thursday, December 16, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:52
NNNN