John Lee Praises Hong Kong Para Athletes for Exemplifying Resilient Hong Kong Spirit
SingTao · 4 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu attended the Fifth Asian Para Games Hong Kong Delegation Award Ceremony on November 13, praising the 80 elite athletes who won 3 gold, 14 silver, and 24 bronze medals in Nagoya, Japan. John Lee highlighted that the athletes demonstrated unwavering determination and the resilient Hong Kong spirit through their performances, serving as ambassadors who told Hong Kong's story well. The government pledged continued support with approximately HK$71 million in funding for elite disabled athletes in 2026-27, marking a 50% increase from five years ago.
Key Points
- The Fifth Asian Para Games took place from October 18 to 24, 2026, in Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, where Hong Kong's 80 elite athletes competed across multiple sports
- Hong Kong secured 41 medals in total: 3 gold, 14 silver, and 24 bronze, with standout performers including "wheelchair fencing queen" Yu Chui-yee, who won 6 medals individually
- John Lee presented certificates to distinguished athletes including boccia stars Leung Yuk-wing and Zhang Yuan, who claimed gold in the mixed BC4 doubles event
- The HKSAR Government allocated approximately HK$71 million to the Hong Kong Sports Institute for training elite disabled athletes in 2026-27, representing over 50% increase compared to five years ago
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club donated HK$100 million to construct the "Jockey Club Sports Hall," providing dedicated training facilities for table tennis, wheelchair fencing, and boccia teams
Why It Matters
The remarkable achievement of Hong Kong's para athletes at the Asian Para Games demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained government investment in elite sports and reinforces Hong Kong's commitment to inclusivity and athletic excellence on the international stage . The ceremony highlights how disabled athletes continue to inspire the community through their perseverance, while the substantial increase in funding signals the government's dedication to building a more supportive ecosystem for Paralympic sports in Hong Kong .
The remarkable achievement of Hong Kong's para athletes at the Asian Para Games demonstrates the effectiveness of sustained government investment in elite sports and reinforces Hong Kong's commitment to inclusivity and athletic excellence on the international stage . The ceremony highlights how disabled athletes continue to inspire the community through their perseverance, while the substantial increase in funding signals the government's dedication to building a more supportive ecosystem for Paralympic sports in Hong Kong .