The flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Delegation to the 14th National Winter Games (NWG) was held at the Secondary Hall of the Kowloon Park Sports Centre this afternoon (February 2).
      
     The Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Joe Wong, officiated at the ceremony and presented the HKSAR flag to the President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, and the Head of the Delegation, Mr Timothy Fok.
      
     Organised by the General Administration of Sport of China and undertaken by the People's Government of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the 14th NWG will be held in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region between February 17 and 27 this year. The Delegation will send a total of 40 athletes to take part in the finals of three sports of the Games, namely figure skating, alpine skiing and ice hockey.
      
     Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Wong said that while Hong Kong lacks favourable natural conditions for developing winter sports, with their perseverance and hard work, the Hong Kong athletes are able to overcome various environmental limitations and compete with top-notch Mainland athletes in the finals of the NWG, adding that the city's athletes are the pride of Hong Kong people. 

     He added that in order to encourage Hong Kong athletes to achieve outstanding performance, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will offer incentives through the Jockey Club Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme to athletes with top results in the Games. He believed that the HKSAR Delegation will do their utmost in the Games, and showcase their indomitable spirit.
      
     The NWG, held every four years, is the largest winter multi-sports event with the highest standard in the country. It aims to promote winter sports, encourage wide participation, nurture sports talent and enhance the competitiveness of national winter sports. This is the sixth occasion that the HKSAR will have taken part in the NWG since 1999.
      
     Also attending the ceremony today were the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Commissioner for Sports and member of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Mr Sam Wong; the Deputy Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services) and member of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Miss Winnie Chui; and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Delegation, Mr Cheng King-leung.
      
     For the latest information of Hong Kong athletes participating in the 14th NWG, please visit the LCSD's dedicated webpage.

Ends/Friday, February 2, 2024
Issued at HKT 17:45

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