Local delegation enters final stage of Asian Games preparation

The local sport delegation to the Incheon Asian Games bids farewell to the Chief Executive at the government headquarters

Macau’s delegation will soon depart for Incheon, in South Korea, as the 2014 Asian Games kick off on September 19.
Over 100 athletes will be joining the event to compete in a wide range of Olympic sports, such as swimming, synchronized swimming, athletics, badminton, bowling, boxing, canoeing, fencing, tennis, and squash, amongst many other sports.
In the teams’ farewell ceremony held yesterday, Macau’s Chief Executive, Mr Chui Sai On, recalled that the Asian Games is the highest-level competition in which Macau participates. He declared that it proves the government’s commitment to promoting and supporting all high competition sports.
Chui Sai On expressed the hope that the 135 athletes will prove to be “good ambassadors” for Macau throughout the competition.
The chairman of the Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, Mr Ma Iao Hang, also emphasized in his speech the importance of such a competition, stating that the Asian Games “is the biggest sporting event in Asia,” which only takes place every four years.
Between September 19 and October 4, Incheon, South Korea, will host the 17th Asian Games, formally known as XVII Asiad.
Governed by the Olympic Council of Asia, and organized by the 2014 Incheon Asian Games Organizing Committee, the games will feature a total of 36 sports. Macau’s delegation comprises 209 people, including athletes, head of mission, officials, a medical team, referees, and trainers. The athletes will be competing across 18 sports.
Ma Iao Hang expressed the hope that Macau’s athletes will put their best performances on display during the competition, so as to reinforce Macau’s importance in the competition. He added that all 135 athletes are now reaching the final stage of their training.
Macau’s delegation departs on September 16 to Incheon, South Korea. 13,000 athletes and officials from 45 National Olympic Committees will be participating in the competition. CP