Recognizing Historic Achievements, Sportsmanship and Inclusion at Four Major Sporting Events
HONG KONG, Nov 6, 2021 – Today, around 1,000 Hong Kong’s winning medalists and associated parties, families and friends from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, as well as the 14th National Games and the 11th National Games for Persons with Disabilities of China, joined a grand and joyful homecoming celebration at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL). This marked one of the city’s biggest sports celebrations to recognize the Hong Kong, China delegations’ wonderful achievements this year and to celebrate the unsung heroes of their success.
HKDL is a place of choice for celebrating life’s special moments. With HKDL’s Castle of Magical Dreams serving as a symbol to inspire hope and courage in the region, the homecoming celebration was an opportunity for Hong Kong’s athletes and their teams to celebrate their success with their families and friends. It was also an opportunity to recognize the undeniable commitment and spirit from the athletes and their teams in making their very own dreams come true among the resort’s audience of families and children. The event also served to celebrate the positive impact our Paralympic and disabled athletes have had on the city’s sporting acclaim for people of all abilities.
Joining the event as guests of honor were Yeung Tak-keung, Commissioner for Sports, Home Affairs Bureau; Timothy Fok, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; Jenny Fung, President of Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, and Michael Moriarty, Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort.
They, together with all athletes and their supporting team members, families and friends, took part in a ceremony at HKDL’s Castle of Magical Dreams. Afterwards, park guests were given an opportunity to praise the teams with an exclusive Grand Marshall along Main Street, U.S.A. The delegation members also took the time to enjoy themselves in the park amid their busy schedule of training and competitions.
Officiating at the ceremony, Commissioner Yeung said the sterling achievements of Hong Kong athletes in the recent four major events marked an astonishing chapter in Hong Kong’s sporting history. He said: “The HKSAR government has greatly supported the development of sports in recent years, including increasing resources, enhancing policies and providing a favorable environment.” He added: “The construction of Kai Tak Sports Park will be completed in late 2023. We can expect more major events to be hosted in Hong Kong, creating more career opportunities for young people who are interested in sports.”
Yeung also said the government will continue to support athletes in preparation for the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games, Paris 2024 Olympics and the next National Games in 2025 jointly organized by Hong Kong, Guangdong Province and Macau.
HKDL’s Managing Director Michael Moriarty gave recognition to the Hong Kong, China delegations: “To compete at the highest levels of international sport requires not only huge levels of skill, but an unbelievable amount of determination, spirit, sacrifice and perseverance. The athletes representing Hong Kong have demonstrated all of these things as they placed themselves and Hong Kong on top. We are all immensely proud of and inspired by them.
“It’s our athletes and their teams, regardless of background, ability, culture or creed, who have inspired us all. They have become beacons of hope for our all generations to look to as an example of how a belief, passion and hard work can make your dreams come true,” Moriarty added.
Timothy Fok from the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and Jenny Fung from Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled, both gave heartfelt thanks to HKDL for hosting a memorable celebration for Hong Kong athletes and their teams, celebrated their efforts and outstanding performances, and promoted the diverse and inclusive culture of the city.
Cyclist Sarah Lee won bronze in the women’s track cycling sprint at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, followed by gold and bronze at the National Games in the women’s track cycling sprint and keirin, respectively. “It means so much to still be able to represent Hong Kong at the highest level,” Lee said. “Those years of experience have taught me a lot about dedication and commitment, and I sincerely hope this sporting spotlight will inspire the next generation to continue making this city proud.”
Paralympic athlete Chu Man-kai, who won silver in the badminton men’s singles at the Paralympic Games, said: “Training and competitions are very hard, but everyone has the capability to overcome the different challenges in their life. I appreciate every opportunity given by my coaches and others. Every time I compete I’m faced with new challenges, but I will always work my hardest to do the best I can regardless of the result.”
Olympic Bronze medalists of women’s table tennis, Doo Hoi-kam, Lee Ho-ching and Minnie Soo also joined the celebration party. They gave their appreciation for having an opportunity to wind down and relax after competing, and said their next goals are looking for a breakthrough to compete in future games.
Continued community outreach for sports development
In light of Hong Kong’s continuous success, HKDL will strongly support local sports development. The resort will offer its funding for Sports Legacy Scheme, a charitable institution run by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China’s for elite athletes who are either planning to retire or have retired to explore their career development in sport. The Scheme will provide around 200 tailor-made professional sports training services to an estimated 200 children and youth from local NGO The Boys’ & Girls’ Club Association (BGCA).
To inspire their interest in sports, HKDL also invited 1,000 families and children from BGCA and the Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth to join today’s celebration event.
