Hong Kong is a city that has proven itself to be a great place for young people to become champions and live up to the Olympic motto of being “faster, higher, stronger – together”. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu recently spoke at a high-powered youth summit, urging youngsters to believe in themselves and trust their instincts. He praised the determination, effort, energy, passion, and strong team spirit displayed by every Hong Kong athlete who participated in the Paris Games, highlighting these as valuable attributes of the “Hong Kong spirit”.
The city’s athletes made historic progress at the Games, winning two gold and two bronze medals, showcasing their unyielding professionalism and sportsmanship. While not everyone can be an Olympic champion, Lee emphasized that everyone can be champions of their own stories and live up to the spirit of the Olympic motto in their pursuits. He also highlighted Hong Kong as a great place to realize such ambitions, citing the importance of the city’s spirit of never giving up and always striving for the best outcome.
Lee stressed the importance of youth development, stating that young people are Hong Kong’s greatest asset. He mentioned that Hong Kong offers unlimited potential for young people’s development due to its unparalleled connectivity and unwavering support from the country. Encouraging the youth, Lee urged them to believe in themselves, trust their instincts, and continue excelling, emphasizing that the future is in their hands.
The youth summit, an initiative proposed by the chief executive in last year’s policy address as part of an annual youth festival, was attended by top Beijing officials in the city and deputy ministers from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Laos. The opening ceremony was officiated by prominent figures such as Zheng Yanxiong, director of the central government’s liaison office in Hong Kong, and Cui Jianchun, commissioner of the foreign ministry’s office in the city. Xu Xiao, president of the All-China Youth Federation, also gave a pre-recorded video speech at the event.
Olympic gold medallist Vivian Kong Man-wai, who recently joined the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s corporate affairs division, will participate in a session on nurturing positive thinking among young people. The summit aims to inspire and empower the youth to reach their full potential and contribute positively to society.
In conclusion, Hong Kong provides a conducive environment for young people to thrive and become champions in their own right. With the right mindset, determination, and support, the youth of Hong Kong can achieve great heights and embody the Olympic motto of being “faster, higher, stronger – together”. The city’s commitment to youth development and fostering a culture of excellence bodes well for the future generation of leaders and achievers.