Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government will continue to improve the funding mechanism of sports events and increase the funding that’s designated for sports development in Hong Kong.

Lee made the remarks as he received the city’s returning Olympic delegation on Wednesday.

The Hong Kong Sports Institute is reviewing its direct subsidy program, with the process to be completed by early next year, Lee said.

READ MORE: Cheers to Olympians

On Wednesday, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China hosted activities to celebrate the return of athletes to Hong Kong following their outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics. The delegation secured two gold and two bronze medals, marking the first time the team has secured more than one gold medal at an Olympics.

The activities encompassed a morning bus parade along the city, a welcome luncheon, and a formal welcome ceremony held in the afternoon at the government headquarters in Admiralty.

Athletes present included Vivian Kong Man-wai, the gold medalist in women’s fencing, and Siobhan Haughey, who secured two bronze medals in swimming. Edgar Cheung Ka-long, the gold medalist in the men’s foil, missed the ceremony as he was out of town.

At 10 am, two open-top buses carrying athletes set off from Sha Tin, the site of the sports institute, traversing through various districts, including Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, and Central, stopping in Tamar Park in Admiralty after the 90-minute ride.

Many residents braved the heavy rainfall to greet the athletes from the streets. They cheered, clapped, and took photos with their cellphones, and the athletes reciprocated by waving to the crowd.

In his speech at the afternoon ceremony, Lee congratulated the athletes on their historic achievements at the Paris Olympics.

Lee said that the quadrennial Olympic Games is a significant sporting event, with participating athletes already ranking among the world’s elite. The outstanding performance of the Hong Kong team this year significantly elevated the city’s status in the international sports arena, he said.

Hong Kong athletes showed the unbeatable Hong Kong spirit and their potential to secure their positions on the global sporting stage, Lee said.

Lee also said that the government pledged to continue supporting sports development, training local sports talents, and optimizing sports facilities.

The new Hong Kong Sports Institute building is going to be completed soon, and the Kai Tak Sports Park is expected to be inaugurated next year. The Sports Institute is conducting a review of the direct subsidy mechanism for athletes, slated for completion early next year.

Lee said he believes that these measures will further enhance sports development and give an impetus to related industries.

Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, said that athletes faced off against the world’s finest competitors, engaging in a series of exhilarating matches that exemplified the fighting spirit of Hong Kong.

Each moment was filled with warmth, and the dedication of every athlete is a testament to the city’s honor, he said.

Kong, speaking at a sharing session, said that throughout numerous tournaments, she faced both adversity and success, experiencing victories and defeats, and hopes everyone can feel her love for fencing.

Next week, the Chinese Mainland Olympians delegation from the 2024 Paris Olympic Games will visit Hong Kong.

READ MORE: Hong Kong captures two more medals at Paris Olympics

The delegation is scheduled to participate in a welcome reception and banquet hosted by the SAR government and engage in exchanges with Hong Kong athletes.

Additionally, members of the delegation will take part in three public events, including an Olympians gala show at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, and sports demonstrations at the stadium and at and Victoria Park Swimming Pool.

Tickets for these events will be available for HK$20 ($2.57) each as of 10 am today. Each resident can purchase up to two tickets at a time.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com