China News Agency, Hong Kong, February 26th. The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Li Jiachao, hosted a banquet at the Government House in Hong Kong on the evening of the 26th to welcome the national men's basketball team to Hong Kong for their home games.
Li Jiachao said in his speech that for Hong Kong, this competition not only showed the country's strong support for Hong Kong, but also showed three characteristics and significance, including Hong Kong's ability to grasp the country's strong support and host international top events.
Li Jiachao (middle in the front row), Lu Xinning, deputy director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong (fourth from the left in the front row), Yao Ming, chairman of the Chinese Basketball Association and leader of the Chinese National Men's Basketball Team (fourth from the right in the front row), and other guests.
Photo courtesy of the Information Services Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
On behalf of the SAR government and citizens, Li Jiachao welcomed the national men's basketball team to Hong Kong. He believed that the arrival of the basketball team gave Hong Kong a "boosting shot", "active shot" and "sports shot".
Li Jiachao also mentioned that the Government House where the banquet was held that night is a 170-year-old mansion, and the SAR government used it to host different banquets to welcome distinguished guests.
Li Jiachao said that according to reports, the tickets for the national men's basketball team's home game in Hong Kong were sold out within five minutes after they went on sale. It is deeply welcomed and supported by the people of Hong Kong.
Li Jiachao thanked the country for its trust and support in Hong Kong, and designated Hong Kong as the home field of the FIBA (International Basketball Federation) Basketball World Cup.
This is the first time that Hong Kong has played the home game for the national team. As a part of the country, the SAR government feels extremely honored.
He believes that for Hong Kong, this competition not only shows the country’s strong support for Hong Kong, but also shows three major characteristics and significance, including that Hong Kong can make good use of the advantages of “one country, two systems” and contribute to the country’s rapid development; With the strong support of the country, top international events can be held; Hong Kong can use top-notch athletes to demonstrate their superb skills and promote the vigorous development of sports.
Li Jiachao said that in 2025, Hong Kong will join hands with Guangdong Province and the Macao SAR to host the 15th National Games.
The SAR government will make every effort to promote the development of sports in Hong Kong, and further improve sports policies from five aspects: popularization, elitism, grand events, specialization, and industrialization.
The SAR government will also comprehensively increase and upgrade sports and recreational facilities, and encourage all sectors of society to cooperate to build a sports-loving culture.
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