China's Olympic gold medallists arrived in Hong Kong on Friday for a three-day visit during which they will display their athletic skills in exhibition events.
Wearing red and yellow uniforms, the 63 athletes arrived at at Chek Lap Kok airport at 11am and were welcomed by Chief Executive Donald Tsang Yam-kuen and the Hong Hong-China Liaison Office director Gao Siren. Mr Tsang said he was proud the athletes had done so well at the Beijing Games, where they secured 51 gold, 21 silver and 28 bronze for a total of 100 medals.
'This was wonderful for China and it has a special significance that athletes performed so well at the 2008 Beijing Olympics,' he said.
The chief executive also said Hong Kong people should seize the opportunity to watch exhibition events involving the Olympians. Sports Minister Liu Peng said he felt moved by the welcome he received in Hong Kong.
He also praised the city for its successful hosting of the Olympic equestrian events.
On Friday afternoon, the athletes will rest at the Inter-Continental Grand Stanford Hotel in Tsim Sha Tsui and then attend a press conference.