Mainland Olympians receive red carpet welcome in HK

Led by Liu Peng, minister of the General Administration of Sport of China (Second Left), Olympians from Chinese mainland including the Chinese women's volleyball team, diving gold medalist Wu Minxia, swim star Sun Yang and Fu Yuanhui attend a news conference in Hong Kong, China on Aug 27, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

HONG KONG - A 64-member delegation including 42 Rio Olympic gold medalists and three elite athletes from Chinese mainland on Saturday arrived in Hong Kong for a three-day visit.

Twelve girls from the volleyball squad and their head coach Lang Ping, swim star Sun Yang, five-time gold medalist Wu Minxia, as well as Fu Yuanhui, the swimmer who became a new social media star after her adorable and outspoken interview, will meet and communicate with the Hong Kong citizens during the visit.

At the welcome ceremony held at Hong Kong international airport, Carrie Lam, the chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, said the central government has arranged national athletes to visit the region for five times since its return to China in 1997, which reflected the support of the nation to Hong Kong and the deep feelings between the peoples of the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong.

Liu Peng, minister of the General Administration of Sport of China, said the national athletes' achievements in the Olympic Games could not have been done without the support and help of Hong Kong people.

"We come here to share our glory and victory with Hong Kong people, and express our gratitude to them for their enduring support and help." Liu said.