Force athletes have once again demonstrated their sporting prowess at the 11th World Police and Fire Games held in Quebec City, Canada in early July, amassing 78 medals in 16 events, which included 28 gold, 35 silver and 15 bronze medals.

The medal galore is another record for the Force's 70-member delegation headed by Mr Cheung Siu-wah, Vice-chairman of the Police Sports Council.

The Force pulled off 61 medals at the same event in Barcelona in 2003.

The 10-day athletic meet attracted some 10,000 discipline officers from 56 countries and places.

After vigorous training for several months, Force athletes continued to excel in many events such as Table Tennis, Shooting, Badminton and Archery. Surprisingly, in some events traditionally dominated by western players like Boxing, Tenpin Bowling and Sprint, the Force made some breakthrough, deeply impressing players from other countries. In Boxing, for example, two Force boxers took part in the Games for the first time, fighting very hard and eventually winning one gold and one bronze medal with the full support of their colleagues outside the ring.

Apart from medals, Force athletes also have won the friendship of other players and earned the Force a good reputation. The Force's contingent, a mixture of local and expatriate officers with varied cultural backgrounds, has also demonstrated a great deal of courage, discipline and resilience at the Games, earning the praise and admiration of overseas competitors.

"I'm so proud that you all have not only won medals but also displayed great sportsmanship and excellent team spirit throughout the Games," Mr Cheung, leader of the delegation, told Force athletes at a celebration dinner in Quebec City.

The next World Police and Fire Games will be held in Adelaide, Australia, in 2007.

(A list of the Gold Medallists and more photos on Photo Features)

Opening ceremony is always a foretaste of the excitement to come