HONG KONG, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chief Executive of Hong Kong Donald Tsang issued a statement Friday to congratulate Hong Kong athletes after they returned home in triumph from the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games held in Shanghai.

"I congratulate the Hong Kong, China, Delegation for its record achievements in the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games. Hong Kong citizens and I are thrilled by their achievements. All the 106 Hong Kong athletes participating in the Games have put in huge efforts in the arena. I am really proud of their determination and perseverance," said Tsang in the statement.

At a welcome home ceremony at the Hong Kong International Airport this afternoon, Carrie Yau, permanent secretary for Home Affairs of Hong Kong, also applauded the athletes for their outstanding performances in the Special Olympics, noting that every athlete was an elite of Hong Kong.

A total of 106 Hong Kong athletes took part in this year's Games, competing in 10 events and winning 67 gold, 50 silver and 37 bronze medals. The China's Hong Kong delegation won 50 medals - 31 gold, 13 silver and 6 bronze - in the previous Games in 2003.

The Special Olympics World Summer Games, held every four years, is one of the major international sports events for athletes with intellectual disabilities. It is the first time that the Games were held in Asia since the Games were first held in 1968.