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The Hong Kong, China Delegation for the Paralympic Games continued to shine in the international sporting arena and did Hong Kong proud by capturing five gold, three silver and three bronze medals at the recently concluded Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

To recognise the Paralympic heroes and heroines for their hard work, the Hong Kong Sports Institute (HKSI) and Hang Seng Bank jointly hosted the Hang Seng Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme (the Scheme) Presentation Ceremony today (22 September 2008), offering a total of HK$468,000 cash awards to 14 athletes.

Officiating guests at the presentation included Tsang Tak-sing, Secretary for Home Affairs; Dr Eric Li, Chairman of the HKSI; Raymond Or, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive of Hang Seng Bank; and Jenny Fung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Paralympic Committee & Sports Association for the Physically Disabled (HKPC&SAP). Over 100 athletes, coaches, representatives from National Sports Associations and Government officials attended the event to honour the Paralympians.

At the presentation ceremony held at Hang Sang Bank's Penthouse, Dr Li paid tribute to the inspiring performance of Hong Kong athletes and thanked Hang Seng Bank for their continuous support for local sports development. He said: "I would like to congratulate all athletes and the Hong Kong Delegation on your outstanding achievements. Your hard work, dedication and enthusiasm have continued to make Hong Kong shine in the international sport arena and do Hong Kong proud. I would like to also thank Hang Seng Bank for their continued support to the HKSI's Athlete Incentive Awards Scheme. Hang Seng has been sponsoring the Scheme since 1996, demonstrating the support and recognition from the society to Hong Kong athletes."

Raymond Or expressed admiration for the utmost determination of the Hong Kong delegation throughout the Games. "We are proud to see that Hong Kong Paralympians ranked fifth among Asian teams. Hong Kong Paralympic athletes have demonstrated perseverance and determination throughout the Games, and have tried their best to rise above physical constraints. They have set an excellent example for all of us."

Boccia athlete Kwok Hoi-ying, who competed at the Paralympics for the first time, captured the first gold medal for Hong Kong at the Beijing Games in Mixed Individual BC2. "I am thrilled to capture the first gold for Hong Kong and I hope to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games again," Kwok said. Her teammate Leung Yuk-wing added a silver medal in Mixed Individual BC4.

Hong Kong wheelchair fencing team continued their medal hunt by claiming a total of seven medals at the Beijing Games. Women fencer Chan Yui-chong, who led the team by clinching two gold medals respectively in Women's Individual Foil and Epee (Category B), thanked Hang Seng Bank and the HKSI for their support to Hong Kong athletes at the ceremony. "The cash support that Hang Seng Bank provided does inspire us to strive for excellence during competition," she said.

Chan's outstanding performance was followed by fellow fencers Yu Chui-yee, who won a gold medal and a silver medal in Women's Individual Foil and Epee (Category A) respectively; and Fan Pui-shan who added two bronze medals in same events as Yu. In the men's category, Hui Charn-hung achieved outstanding results and won a silver medal in Men's Individual Sabre (Category B).

Men's sprinter So Wa-wai once again ruled the track by snatching one gold and one bronze medal in Men's 200m (T36) and 100m (T36). So stole the limelight by breaking the world record in Men's 200m (T36), which earned him an additional cash award. Women's sprinter Yu Chun-lai also improved her personal best and set a new Hong Kong record in Women's 200m (T36).

To appreciate Hong Kong's athletes' effort and commitment at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games, Hang Seng Bank has extended its cash rewards to benefit those athletes who ranked top 8 in respective events. Gold, silver and bronze medallists in individual events received HK$60,000, HK$24,000 and HK$12,000 respectively, while those in team events were offered HK$84,000, HK$40,000 and HK$24,000 respectively. Athletes who placed between fourth and eighth in individual and team events were offered a special award of HK$4,000 and HK$8,000 respectively, and those breaking world record and Hong Kong record received HK$10,000 and HK$3,000 each.

Organised by the HKSI in 1994, sponsored by Hang Seng Bank since 1996, and fully supported by the SF&OC and the HKPC&SAP, the Scheme has offered cash incentives to local athletes to encourage and recognise their outstanding performance at the Olympic Games, the Paralympic Games, the East Asian Games and the National Games. Hang Seng Bank will match the cash incentive offered by the HKSI on a dollar-for-dollar basis. To date, over HK$8.568 million has been awarded to 111 athletes.

List of Cash Incentives Presented to the 2008 Hong Kong Paralympians (PDF)