Cheers and encouragement: Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Thomas Chow (centre, back row), attends the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in Beijing, along with Secretary for Food & Health Dr York Chow (second left, back row).

Director of Leisure & Cultural Services Thomas Chow today cheered on participants in the Beijing 2008 Paralympic torch relay in the Chinese capital, to bolster the morale of Hong Kong athletes and torchbearers taking part in the Paralympic games.

Ten out of the 240 torchbearers are from Hong Kong, including disabled athletes, their coaches, people who have contributed to promoting sports for the disabled and outstanding disabled people.

On Friday at the Paralympic Village, he presented the Hong Kong delegation with cards carrying best wishes from Hong Kong citizens.

Mr Chow took pride in the athletes for their perseverance in overcoming adversities, enabling them to take part in the Games.

He was confident they would rise to the challenge and bring honour to themselves and Hong Kong.

A total of 22 Hong Kong athletes are competing in athletics, boccia, equestrian, rowing, power lifting, shooting, table tennis and wheelchair fencing.