Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Edmund Ho Hau Wah officiated a grand reception on Thursday in the Government House in honor of China's Olympic gold medallists who are paying a two-day visit here.

"China's Olympic gold medallists have become role models of Macao youngsters, and inspired them to make contributions to honor Macao and the motherland," said Ho.

The chief executive said that Chinese athletes garnering 32 gold medals at the Athens Olympic Games have created the nation's best record in the games. All Chinese around the world shared the joy and glory.

He said that in preparation for hosting the 4th East Asian Games next year, Macao should learn from the sports development in the mainland. He wished the gold medallists to seek a more glorious achievement in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

Yuan Weimin, director of the State General Administration of Sport and head of the delegation, said that the warm welcome that the delegation received in Macao made them feel at home.

Ma Man Kei, vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Stanley Ho, member of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee and a number of government officials and celebrities attended the reception, and awarded athletes and trainers of the delegation.

The 63-strong delegation including 46 gold medallists of the just closed Athens Olympic Games arrived in Macao Thursday from Hong Kong, where they paid a three-day visit.