HKSAR gov't welcomes mainland Olympic athletes

A delegation of Olympic athletes from the Chinese mainland was warmly welcomed at the Government House by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government on Thursday.

At the Government House, Hong Kong SAR Chief Executive John Lee and other officials, along with representatives from various sectors, warmly hosted the welcoming ceremony for the delegation.

Lee said that the Government House is the highest official residence in Hong Kong and a place where the SAR welcomes distinguished guests.

He commended the athletes for consistently demonstrating exceptional competitive standards and indomitable spirit in each Olympic Games and said their rigorous training and support for younger generations have continuously upheld the spirit of Chinese sports.

During the ceremony, the Olympic athletes took group photos with the guests.

They expressed their hope to pass on the Olympic spirit through their experiences.

"Actually, this is my third time participating in the Olympics. Compared to the previous two times, I have grown and matured more this time. I also have a deeper understanding of what the Olympic spirit is," said Liu Yang, an Olympic athlete from the Chinese mainland.

"This is my second time coming to Hong Kong. I am very happy. I feel that the Hong Kong residents are very warm. The athletes are very passionate about this field. I believe that so many outstanding athletes would not reach this level without passion," said Yang Hao, another mainland Olympic athlete.

"Coming to Hong Kong, I feel that the people from all walks of life in Hong Kong are very warm. I hope that the young people in Hong Kong will work hard towards their goals and pursue their dreams," said Chen Yuxi, a mainland Olympic athlete.

"I just feel that the people of Hong Kong are very warm and welcoming to us. This kind of heartfelt reception makes us feel very warm and close. I hope that the people of Hong Kong will follow their own path without fear of difficulties or challenges," said Cao Yuan, another mainland Olympian.

The delegation arrived in Hong Kong on Thursday for a three-day visit, with three public events scheduled: a gala show and two demonstration events at Queen Elizabeth Stadium and Victoria Park swimming pool, before departing for Macao on Saturday.

HKSAR gov't welcomes mainland Olympic athletes

Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) will organize Chinese Military Culture Week in Brazil later this month, Chinese Defense Military spokesman Wu Qian said on Saturday.

"According to relevant work plans, the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission will send a PLA delegation on international communication to Brazil in late September to organize a Chinese Military Culture Week (CMCW). Under the theme of 'Safeguarding Peace for a Shared Future,' relevant activities will be held in Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro, including policy dialogue, picture exhibition, military band performance, and China Day cultural exchange. The CMCW is intended to illustrate the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind, elaborate the three major initiatives (the Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative), and demonstrate the fine traditional Chinese military culture and the culture of building a strong military in the new era. It will enhance China-Brazil strategic mutual trust and traditional friendship, and step up cultural exchanges and mutual learning between the two countries," Wu said.

"This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. Exchange activities between the two militaries, such as high-level interactions, joint exercises and training, personnel training and multilateral cooperation, have deepened and enriched the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Brazil," said Wu.

PLA to organize Chinese Military Culture Week in Brazil