Time to cheer on our disabled athletes

The National Games ended last month, but the action is not over. This week, it is the turn of disabled athletes to compete and perform. They deserve strong support. Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau are co-hosting the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Special Olympic Games. It is China’s equivalent of the Paralympics.

This will be the biggest Games yet, with more than 9,000 athletes and coaches participating in a total of 46 sports. Hong Kong is the location for four events. Sadly, the torch relay planned for November 29 in host cities and the opening ceremony scheduled for Monday in Guangzhou were both cancelled as a mark of respect for victims of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire in Hong Kong. This was an appropriate step to take. There will be a simple closing ceremony.

But now the contest is under way, with medals being won, it is time to back the athletes and cheer them on. Competition will be intense. Hong Kong’s team of more than 280 is the largest yet. They are hoping to build on a strong performance in the Paralympics in Paris last year, where they won eight medals, including three gold.

The city is aiming to develop sports for disabled athletes and the government has rewarded their achievements with the injection of more funds. This must continue.