**Celebrating Hong Kong Olympians: Chief Executive Commends Heroes in Bus Parade**
The city of Hong Kong is buzzing with pride and excitement as it celebrates the historic achievements of its Olympic athletes at the Paris 2024 Games. Chief Executive John Lee has expressed his unwavering commitment to nurturing local sporting talent, following the remarkable performance of Hong Kong’s athletes who brought home two gold and two bronze medals.
**Warm Welcome for Olympians in Bus Parade**
The streets of Hong Kong were filled with cheers and applause as a group of Olympic athletes embarked on a bus parade from the Hong Kong Sports Institute in Sha Tin to Central. Supporters braved the rain to greet the athletes, including fencing champion Vivian Kong and swimmer Siobhan Haughey, who captured the hearts of the nation with their stellar performances in Paris.
**Historic Achievements and Recognition**
Hong Kong made history by securing its highest-ever ranking at the Paris Olympics, coming in 37th in the medal table. The delegation of 35 athletes competed in 13 events, showcasing the talent and determination of Hong Kong’s sporting community. Men’s foil gold medallist Edgar Cheung, the first-ever Hongkonger to win back-to-back Olympic titles, was notably absent from the parade but his achievements were celebrated nonetheless.
**Acknowledgement and Appreciation from Leader Lee**
Chief Executive John Lee extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Olympic athletes for their hard work and dedication. He commended the athletes for embodying the “Hong Kong spirit” of resilience, determination, and the ability to overcome challenges. Each member of the Olympic team was hailed as a hero in the eyes of the Hong Kong people, with their outstanding results bringing pride and inspiration to the city.
**Commitment to Sports Development**
In his address to the athletes, Chief Executive Lee reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting sports development in Hong Kong. He pledged to spare no effort in training local athletes and enhancing sports facilities across the city. The upcoming Kai Tak Sports Park, with a main stadium capable of hosting 50,000 spectators, is set to open next year, providing a world-class venue for sporting events.
**Calls for Increased Support for Athletes**
The success of Hong Kong’s athletes at the Paris Olympics has reignited discussions about the support and welfare of professional athletes in the city. Critics have raised concerns about the adequacy of the monthly allowance provided to athletes, with calls for it to be increased to a level that reflects the city’s minimum wage. Olympic badminton player Lee Cheuk-yiu has highlighted the importance of ensuring that athletes receive fair compensation for their dedication and hard work.
**Future Plans and Initiatives**
Chief Executive Lee outlined plans to further support and empower Hong Kong’s athletes, including the completion of a new building at the Hong Kong Sports Institute and ongoing efforts to improve sports facilities. The government is committed to investing in the development of local sporting talent and creating opportunities for athletes to excel on the world stage.
**Conclusion**
As Hong Kong continues to bask in the glory of its Olympic success, the achievements of its athletes serve as a testament to the spirit and resilience of the city. Chief Executive John Lee’s words of encouragement and appreciation underscore the government’s commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of sporting heroes. With continued investment in sports development and the welfare of athletes, Hong Kong is poised to reach even greater heights on the global sporting stage.