The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Mr. John Lee, met with State Councillor Ms. Shen Yiqin and a delegation from the General Administration of Sport of China on Monday at Government House to finalize preparations for the 15th National Games. This high-level meeting focused on assessing Hong Kong’s readiness to co-host the premier national multi-sport event alongside Guangdong and Macao, a historic moment representing Hong Kong’s debut as a host city for the competition since its return to the Mainland.
The delegation’s critical visit included site inspections of competition venues and detailed briefings on the progress of the eight designated events scheduled for the Hong Kong competition region. Mr. Lee underscored the profound significance of this co-hosting arrangement, viewing it as a clear demonstration of national confidence in Hong Kong’s capabilities and a testament to the deepening collaborative spirit within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Seamless Progress Reported for Initial Events
According to Mr. Lee, initial operations within the Hong Kong region have proceeded without major issues. He highlighted the successful execution of early competition rounds, commending participating teams for their sterling sportsmanship and noting the electric atmosphere generated by enthusiastic local audiences. The administration remains focused on ensuring all logistical and facility aspects meet the high standards required for a national-level tournament.
The opportunity to co-host the National Games is seen by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government as a significant catalyst, not only for showcasing the city on an international platform but also for accelerating its internal sports development strategy.
Five Pillars of Hong Kong Sports Policy
Beyond the immediate requirements of the 15th National Games, the HKSAR Government is aggressively pursuing a broader sports development agenda structured around five key policy objectives:
- Promoting Community Sports: Encouraging widespread public participation in physical activity.
- Supporting Elite Sports: Providing comprehensive resources for high-level athletic training and performance.
- Hosting International Events: Maintaining Hong Kong’s status as a top destination for major global sporting competitions.
- Professional Development: Creating robust training and career pathways for sports industry professionals.
- Growing the Sports Industry: Economically expanding the sector through innovation and investment.
The National Games is integral to this strategy, providing valuable experience and exposure to the city’s sports infrastructure and personnel.
Regional Collaboration Drives GBA Sports Hub Status
A central outcome of the discussions was the commitment to strengthening cooperation between Hong Kong and mainland sports authorities. This enhanced collaboration aims to jointly advance the sports industry’s development across the entire Greater Bay Area.
By streamlining efforts and sharing resources, the goal is to attract even more major sporting events to the region. This strategy aligns directly with national initiatives to cultivate a world-class bay area and reinforce China’s standing as an international sporting powerhouse.
The successful co-hosting of the 15th National Games is poised to establish a lasting legacy, deepening regional integration, showcasing athletic excellence, and firmly positioning Hong Kong as a vital hub within the burgeoning sports ecosystem of the Greater Bay Area. This cooperation is expected to yield long-term economic and social benefits for the region’s inhabitants and sports enthusiasts alike.