Former high-ranking officials reunited at Government House to receive awards from their former boss, Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen. Among the 286 people honoured were former chief secretary Rafael Hui Si-yan, who was awarded the city's top honour - the Grand Bauhinia Medal - and Legislative Council president Rita Fan Hsu Lai-tai, executive councillor David Li Kwok-po and property tycoon Lee Shau-kee. Former secretary for home affairs Patrick Ho Chi-ping and Dick Lee Ming-kwai, who retired as police commissioner in January, received the second highest honour - the Gold Bauhinia Star - along with former secretary for the environment, transport and works Sarah Liao Sau-tung, who was not present yesterday. Dr Ho said he had been keeping busy since leaving office by giving talks and teaching on the mainland, South Korea and Italy. In a recent visit to Italy, he took part in an event with the Pope and other religious leaders to promote international religious harmony. A former eye surgeon, Dr Ho said he was retiring and was not planning to practise again. This year's awards list included 22 athletes - a record number since the handover. Asian Games gold medal cyclist Wong Kam-po, who received a Bronze Bauhinia Star, said he was glad to see his achievement in sport recognised.