Regional Council Chairman Lam Wai-keung flew to the Atlanta Olympics yesterday to watch the territory's athletes, proudly photographed at Kai Tak wearing a jacket by Adidas, the company 'sponsoring' his trip. Unfortunately, Adidas was surprised to discover that it had been so generous. As Regional Council public relations staff sent out photographs of the Adidas-branded Mr Lam in the departure hall, Adidas was wondering whether he had misinterpreted a letter sent to him offering to make 'arrangements' for his trip. Mr Lam sought and received permission for his trip to be sponsored from the Regional Council. A spokesman said yesterday 'it's free of charge' and Regional Council electors need not pay a cent for Mr Lam's week watching the team thanks to Adidas' generosity. But Adidas marketing executive Corrinne Cheung said the letter offering to make arrangements for the trip meant the firm would only book hotels and plane tickets - not pay for them. 'It was stated clearly that we are not paying all expenses,' she said. Mr Lam, mid-flight yesterday, was not available for comment. The hope of witnessing Hong Kong's first medal in the Games, fuelled by high expectations for windsurfer Lee Lai-shan, has also led to the Government flying out a senior civil servant to cheer along the territory's athletes. At the opening ceremony and early events, Deputy Secretary for Broadcasting, Culture and Sport Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun will be egging them on, while later on his boss Brian Chau Tak-hay will take over. 'I'm representing the Hong Kong Government supporting our team,' said Mr Tang yesterday. Mr Tang flies to Atlanta tomorrow, returning after a week in a Marriott hotel having attended the opening ceremony and the start of the windsurfing. 'I'm staying in a three-star hotel on the outskirts [of Atlanta]. I'm not staying in an expensive place,' he said. Then Mr Chau takes over the cheerleading. Currently in the US getting married, he will return to work for a few days to offer vital support. Mr Chau's fare to the US has already been paid as part of his duty leave entitlement and he will receive only a subsistence allowance. Democratic Party legislator and sports fan Andrew Cheng Kar-foo said the civil servants 'would boost the team spirit'.
