Mainland's gold medalists from the London Olympics arrived in Macao today for a three-day visit, at the invitation of the Macao SAR Government. They arrived at the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal in the afternoon and were welcomed by the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Mr Cheong U, and greeted by some 500 students and residents. The medalists were led by the Director of the State General Administration of Sports and President of the Chinese Olympic Committee, Mr Liu Peng, and his deputy, Mr Duan Shijie. The Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, met Mr Liu at Macau East Asian Games Dome and congratulated the delegation for the athletes' excellent performance and results during the recent London 2012 Olympic Games. He also thanked Mr Liu for the support given by the State General Administration of Sports and the Chinese Olympic Committee to the development of sports in Macao. He said he wished the athletes could learn more about Macao's heritage and development during their stay. Mr Liu said the delegation would like to share their glory and happiness with the people of Macao, which explained why they here here so soon after the completion of the games. The Government hosted a banquet for the delegation after the meeting. At a speech, Mr Chui welcomed the delegation and congratulated the athletes for their excellence at the Games. He praised them for their spirit, which stimulated Macao people to strive harder in building an even better home. Mr Liu said in his speech he believed that the Mainland and Macao would continue to enhance their exchanges in sports and other areas. Mr Chui presented a HK$10.2 million cheque to two gold medalists at the banquet, Ms Yi Siling and Mr Zou Shiming, who received it on behalf of the delegation. The banquet was also attended by the Vice President of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Mr Ho Hau Wah; the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central Government in the Macao SAR, Mr Bai Zhijian; the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the Macao SAR; the Commander of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Garrison in the Macao SAR; principal officials, members of the Executive Council and the Legislative Assembly, and Macao's delegates to the National People's Congress, members of the CPPCC and some members of the community. The delegation stars are the athletes who won gold in 13 sports, namely shooting, fencing, sailing, weightlifting, boxing, taekwondo, walk, swimming, diving, artistic gymnastics, trampoline, table tennis and badminton. Mainland's contingent won 88 medals in the London Olympics -- 38 gold, 27 silver and 23 bronze, and broke six world records and six Olympic records.
