CE encourages HK athletes to advance in Harbin winter games

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu praised Hong Kong athletes for their hard work and encouraged them to advance in the first competition day of the Asian Winter Games, as he continued his visit in Harbin.

In his Facebook post, Lee said he visited Hong Kong's top winter sports athletes, delegation leader, coaches and medical staff in the athletes’ village in the morning on Saturday.

Lee watched speed skating, short-track speed skating and ice hockey events to support the participating Hong Kong and mainland athletes.

He highlighted that the SAR delegation, which includes over 70 athletes, is the largest ever to participate in the winter games and encouraged them to give their utmost.

“It is not easy for Hong Kong, as a city that never snows, to have athletes that can shine in international winter sports competitions,” the CE said, as he also urged citizens to watch the games on TV.

Lee met youngsters participating in an exchange program organized by InspiringHK Sports Foundation in Harbin where he encouraged them to seize the opportunity to experience winter sports and learn about the "ice city's" history and culture.

He visited Central Street and nearby cultural and tourism facilities, noting that the capital of Heilongjiang province has combined local culture and the Games in putting up themed shops.

He and his wife, Janet Lee Lam Lai-sim, tasted Harbin's specialty Modern ice lolly and chimney bread.

(Ayra Wang)