The Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, praised the performances of the Hong Kong athletes at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

At a reception held on September 18 in honour of the Hong Kong Delegation to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Mr Donald Tsang welcomed the return of the athletes and sent them his warmest congratulations on their great achievements at the Games.

The Hong Kong delegation fetched a total of 11 medals, comprising five gold, three silver and three bronze, at the Beijing Paralympic Games. Track athlete So Wah-wai finished the 200M – T36 (Men) race in 24.65 seconds, breaking the world record he maintained and earning him a gold medal for the third consecutive Paralympic Games.

Mr Tsang presented certificates of appreciation to the 22 Hong Kong athletes who took part in the Games. The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Tsang Tak-sing, in his capacity as the chairman of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Equestrian Events Hong Kong Fund, presented commemorative medallions to them.

A total of 22 athletes took part in eight competition events at the Paralympic Games, namely athletics, boccia, equestrian, rowing, power lifting, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.

"The Paralympians have overcome incredible odds and challenges in an unyielding spirit to bring home the medals. Indeed, all members of the Hong Kong team have done their best and excelled themselves in the Games. All of us in Hong Kong are proud of them and their achievements," Mr Tsang said.