Heroes' welcome: Hong Kong's table tennis Olympic silver medallists Ko Lai-chak and Li Ching are congratulated by Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa and their families.

The Olympics and Hong Kong athletes' performance at it have aroused public interest in sports development, pushing the Government to promptly complete its review on sports policy.

This was the message from Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa welcoming home Hong Kong's Olympic athletes today.

Mr Tung said in promoting sports development, the Government's considerations include ways to further promote the sports-for-all concept, students' participation and parental support, nurturing of elite athletes and their career opportunities, trainer training, and improvements to facilities and building new ones.

"The Home Affairs Bureau will solicit views from different sectors of the community to map out a new policy more conducive to sports development," he said.

Athletic prowess

Mr Tung commended the 33 athletes who have brought themselves and the whole community immense spiritual wealth and momentum.

"I would say you have performed tremendously well in Athens. Your can-do spirit in fighting for the best results inspires each and every one of us. Hong Kong people are proud of you all," he said.

"Your brilliant performance in the Olympic Games has touched the whole community.  The impact is so great that all of us are strongly encouraged and deeply inspired to move forward."

Mr Tung encouraged them to continue their push for better results at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.