MACAO -- The Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) government held a banquet on Sunday evening to welcome a delegation of mainland Olympians.

Ao Ieong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macao SAR government, expressed her hope that Macao athletes and youth can learn from the examples set by mainland Olympians and make unremitting efforts on their own future.

Macao has made continuous progress in sports over the years, she said, attributing it not only to the joint efforts of the SAR government and the sports circle, but also to the long-term support from the country.

Yang Ning, who heads the delegation, said the General Administration of Sport will continue to strengthen exchange and cooperation between the mainland and Macao and further promote the development of sports in both sides.

Yang also pledged full support to Macao as well as its neighboring province Guangdong and the Hong Kong SAR in successfully co-hosting the 15th National Games in 2025.

The delegation includes 29 athletes and three coaches from 12 sporting events. They will attend a flag-raising ceremony on Monday morning marking the 22nd anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and other interactive activities.