Volunteers for the 15th National Games will serve as Hong Kong’s “vanguard” tourism ambassadors, showcasing the city’s hospitality to athletes and spectators from across the country, said Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui.
Her remarks were made during the pledging ceremony for the Hong Kong Volunteer Programme of the 15th National Games, held at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium yesterday.
Law said the 16,000-member volunteer team is the largest in the city’s history and will provide services for both the National Games and the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the Special Olympics.
Recruitment for the volunteer program began in July last year, with over 30,000 applicants.
The final selection of 16,000 includes 1,000 youth volunteers aged 15 to 17.
The remaining 15,000 adult volunteers comprise students, working professionals, homemakers, and senior citizens—including one who is 80 years old.
Law remarked lightheartedly that this reflects Hong Kong’s status as “a city of longevity,” adding that people of all ages and backgrounds are united in their enthusiasm to support the games.
Volunteers will serve in various roles, including award ceremonies and protocol, media and logistical support, competition operations, spectator services, arrival and departure assistance, hotel hospitality, and anti-doping support.
Raymond Tam Chi-yuen, executive director for corporate affairs at The Hong Kong Jockey Club, noted that volunteers are crucial to the smooth delivery of the games.
The Club is deploying nearly 100 of its own volunteer team members to serve as group volunteers in Hong Kong. More than 30 representatives attended the pledging ceremony. The Club and its Charities Trust have also approved a total grant of HK$450 million in support of the Hong Kong events.
Olympic gold medalist in women’s épée Vivian Kong Man-wai was appointed as the Volunteer Ambassador.
Kong led the oath-taking during the ceremony, encouraging all volunteers to deliver efficient and high-quality service. She also expressed deep gratitude for the volunteers’ dedication.
