### Hong Kong Para-Athletes Shine at Paris Paralympics: A Call for Continued Support
Hong Kong para-athletes have once again showcased their exceptional talent and determination at the Paris Paralympics, bringing home a total of eight medals in badminton, swimming, and boccia. As the team returned home with their impressive haul, one standout athlete, Daniel Chan, who clinched a silver medal in the Men’s Singles WH2 badminton event, urged the public to continue supporting para-athletes in their journey towards success.
#### Daniel Chan’s Call for Support
Speaking to reporters in Chinese at the airport upon the delegation’s return, Daniel Chan expressed gratitude for the support received and emphasized the importance of ongoing backing for all para-athletes. He highlighted the diversity of achievements within the team, from those who secured medals to those who narrowly missed the podium. Chan urged the public to keep an eye on their performance at upcoming events such as the Asian Games in Nagoya and the next Paralympics in Los Angeles.
Chan’s own journey in badminton has been a remarkable one, especially considering that the sport only gained recognition at the Paralympics in recent years. Despite the challenges faced, he managed to secure a silver medal in a highly competitive event, showcasing his skill and determination on the international stage. After 16 years of representing Hong Kong in professional competitions, Chan announced his decision to step away from the limelight but expressed willingness to coach aspiring wheelchair badminton players in the future.
#### Hong Kong’s Para-Athletic Achievements
The success of Hong Kong’s para-athletes at the Paris Paralympics was truly commendable, with a total of eight medals secured across different disciplines. The team’s achievements included three gold, four silver, and one bronze medal in badminton, swimming, and boccia, reflecting the diversity and strength of talent within the delegation.
Swimmer Chan Yui-lam, who won a silver medal in the 100-metre butterfly event, expressed her determination to aim for gold in future competitions. At just 17 years old, Chan has already proven herself as a formidable athlete with a personal best performance at the Paralympics. Another standout performer, Jasmine Ng, became Hong Kong’s youngest para-medallist by clinching a bronze medal in the women’s 100-metre breaststroke event, highlighting the promising future of para-athletics in the city.
#### Government Support and Future Prospects
Chief Executive John Lee lauded the achievements of Hong Kong’s para-athletes at the Paris Paralympics, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting sports development for individuals with disabilities. With a significant increase in funding allocated for this purpose in recent years, the city has demonstrated its dedication to nurturing talent and providing opportunities for para-athletes to excel on the global stage.
The success of Hong Kong’s boccia players, who secured three golds and two silvers at the Paralympics, further underscores the city’s potential in para-sports. Athletes like John Loung, Ho Yuen-kei, and Annie Cheung showcased exceptional skill and teamwork, demonstrating that Hong Kong has the talent and determination to compete at the highest level in international competitions.
#### Conclusion
As Hong Kong’s para-athletes continue to inspire and impress with their performances on the world stage, it is crucial for the public to rally behind them and provide the support they need to reach their full potential. The achievements at the Paris Paralympics serve as a testament to the dedication and resilience of these remarkable athletes, and their success paves the way for a brighter future for para-sports in Hong Kong. Let us continue to cheer on our para-athletes as they strive for excellence and represent the city with pride on the global stage.