Chief Executive Carrie Lam today expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales, a founding member of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China.

"Mr Sales was committed to the development of sports in Hong Kong all his life, making tremendous contributions and leaving a lasting impact,” she said, adding that he had held different key positions in the organisation for years and was the president for more than 30 years.

“In addition to promoting the participation of Hong Kong athletes in competitions outside the city, he also helped Hong Kong athletes continue to take part in international competitions as 'Hong Kong, China' after the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, greatly enhancing the opportunities of Hong Kong athletes.”

Mrs Lam emphasised that Mr Sales was awarded the Grand Bauhinia Medal in 1998 in recognition of his efforts to promote amateur sports and the Olympic Games in Hong Kong.

“Apart from sports, Mr Sales was committed to serving the community.

“Held in high regard, he was the Chairman of the former Urban Council, and a member of the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Basic Law Consultation Committee.”

Secretary for Home Affairs Lau Kong-wah also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Mr Sales and lauded him for his tremendous contributions to Hong Kong's sport sector.

“He was deeply committed to bringing Hong Kong athletes to the international stage, and successfully retained Hong Kong as the separate entity of ‘Hong Kong, China’ to participate in international competitions, which helped raise the standard of local athletes.

“While we will miss him in this world, his spirit will live on with Hong Kong.”

The Chief Executive extended condolences to Mr Sales's family on behalf of the Government.