The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) are progressing smoothly, with promising ticket sales expected to peak over the weekend and during final events, according to Yeung Tak-keung, Head of the National Games Coordination Office (NGCO).
Speaking on a radio program on Wednesday, Yeung said the NSOG table tennis competition concluded successfully on Tuesday at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre, with athletes, referees and spectators expressing satisfaction with the event arrangements.
He said the boccia competition at Kai Tak Arena and the wheelchair fencing event at Ma On Shan Sports Centre both began yesterday, while the para table tennis (TT11) competition will commence tomorrow at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre.
Yeung emphasized that venue setup for parasports requires meticulous planning, especially as many athletes are wheelchair users or individuals with mobility challenges.
“Barrier-free access and arrangements required considerations on special design,” he noted, adding that the organizing team worked closely with experts to ensure athletes could move seamlessly throughout the venues.
Some events are scheduled for the morning to align with athletes’ routines, Yeung said, acknowledging this could lead to lower spectator turnout during those sessions.
However, he remains optimistic that ticket sales will continue to rise as competitions progress, especially toward the weekend and final stages.
Yeung also revealed that around 16,000 volunteers have been recruited across the National Games and NSOG, with 4,000 specifically assigned to NSOG duties. Their training, he said, includes understanding the needs of people with disabilities — such as how to assist wheelchair users when navigating ramps — to ensure participants receive thoughtful and practical support.
