Hong Kong athletes in Asian Para Games commended today (with photos)
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     The Guangzhou 2010 Asian Para Games (Games) concluded yesterday and the Hong Kong, China, Delegation returned home today (December 20). The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government organised a welcome home ceremony to commend Hong Kong athletes for their outstanding performance at the Games.

     The Hong Kong athletes achieved remarkable results at the Games this year, fetching a total of 28 medals comprising 5 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze.

     The Welcome Home Ceremony was held at The Royal Pacific Hotel and Towers' Waterfront, China Hong Kong City, Tsim Sha Tsui in this afternoon. The Acting Chief Executive, Mr Henry Tang and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, officiated at the ceremony.

     Offering his warmest congratulations to the Hong Kong athletes on their achievements, Mr Tang said it was encouraging to have won medals in the competitions, but what was more significant was that in the course of the games, the athletes could excel themselves, give play to their potential and enjoy valuable experiences, thereby enhancing their level to reach a win-win situation.

     Mr Tang then presented certificates of appreciation to the gold medallists at the Games while Mr Tsang presented certificates of appreciation to those who won silver and bronze medals.

     The 2010 Asian Para Games was held in Guangzhou from December 12 to 19.  The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent its largest-ever delegation to take part in the Games. It fielded a total of 107 athletes in 14 sporting events including archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, judo, powerlifting, rowing, shooting, swimming, table tennis, tenpin bowling, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing and wheelchair tennis. The number of sports that the Hong Kong athletes contested was also a record high compared to previous years.

Ends/Monday, December 20, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:35

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