After more than two years of meticulous preparation, the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD), and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) were held in November last year. A solemn and passionate torch relay kicked off the grand sporting event.
On October 9 last year, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, attended the flame-lighting ceremony in Nansha, Guangzhou, where he lit the sacred flame on behalf of the HKSAR, symbolising the passing on of a mission and a dream.
On November 2, the torch was relayed simultaneously across four cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Macao, with 50 torchbearers in each city.
The Hong Kong leg began with Acting Chief Executive Mr Chan Kwok-ki handing the torch to the first torchbearer, the renowned Hong Kong table tennis athlete Wong Chun-ting.
The torch relay started at the Central Government Offices at Tamar, passed by the Golden Bauhinia Square, crossed Victoria Harbour by Star Ferry, went through iconic spots like Tsim Sha Tsui East, and finally arrived at the Kai Tak Sports Park, tracing a path that showcased the vitality and scenery of the city.
The highly anticipated opening ceremony was held on November 9 at the Guangdong Olympic Sports Centre. Representatives from Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao entered side-by-side with firm steps, presenting a moving picture of integration, collaboration, and unified progress in the Greater Bay Area.
In addition, a cultural and artistic feast was unfolded to showcase the deep cultural sentiment and creative artistry of the three regions.
Hong Kong fencer Cheung Ka-long, Guangdong sprinter Su Bingtian, and Macao Wushu athlete Li Yi jointly took on the final leg of the in-stadium torch relay, symbolising the three regions joining hands to open a new chapter of collaborative development.
In addition to the thrilling competitive sports, this year’s NG also included 23 mass participation events, while the NGD and NSOG featured 11 mass participation events.
The goal was to bring these major sporting occasions closer to the public and promote a culture of national fitness.
The Hong Kong team performed brilliantly in the Para Dance Sport, winning 3 gold and 3 silver medals.
In the mass participation events held in Guangdong, Hong Kong athletes also excelled in sports such as futsal, shuttlecock, badminton, karate, and bridge, securing an impressive tally of 3 gold, 6 silver, and 3 bronze medals and demonstrating the strength of Hong Kong’s sports community.
