Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) joined in the celebration for the 76th National Day with its first Flag-raising Ceremony and a day of free cultural activities, immersing the community in a colorful festival atmosphere.
The ceremony commenced this morning at the South Garden of the main stadium, attended by officials including Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, commissioner for tourism Vivian Sum Fong-kwang, Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi Kin-pan and lawmaker Bill Tang Ka-piu.
As "Ode to the Motherland" filled the air, guests stood solemnly while the Hong Kong Army Cadets Flag Guard marched in with pride and perfect synchrony.
The event reached a peak moment when clear voices of students from Po Leung Kuk Lam Man Chan English Primary School began singing the national anthem, coinciding with the national flag being raised steadily to full mast.
Following the ceremony, the park's Central Square buzzed with life at interactive stalls, where visitors experienced a range of traditional arts, including sugar painting, paper cutting, calligraphy, Chinese knotting, grasshopper weaving, and flour doll making.
One paper-cutting stall owner, surnamed Wu, demonstrated the folk art using simple materials. She prepared about 200 paper fans featuring panda and zodiac designs to share the craft with guests.
Nearby, calligrapher Cheung gifted attendees with scrolls of auspicious phrases, spreading blessings through his brushstrokes.
The Tourism Chief shared her experience at the sports park, noting this celebration marked both the nation's 76th anniversary and the park's first National Day event.
“I am honored to participate in the ceremony,” Law wrote, alongside photos that captured the festive moment.
John Sharkey, CEO of Kai Tak Sports Park, also immersed himself in the celebrations, receiving a custom calligraphy piece with his full Chinese name, along with a panda paper-cut and flour doll from stall owners during his visit.
“It’s a significant milestone for the park’s development and a valuable opportunity to strengthen community bonds,” Sharkey remarked.
In addition to cultural experiences, families enjoyed nostalgic local snacks—including Ding Ding candy, coconut wraps, and Dragon’s Beard candy—while the complimentary ice cream booth was a hit among children.
Visitors also explored the national security education exhibition and learned about sustainability at a green-themed booth promoting waste sorting and recycling through interactive games co-organized with environmental groups.
A local resident, Cheng, who brought her children to the ceremony, shared, "It's a special day. I wanted my child to experience and learn more about our traditional culture."
Meanwhile, a mainland tourist family, visiting Hong Kong during the National Day Golden Week, revealed they made a special trip to the sports park to experience the festive atmosphere.
