Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will light the flame on behalf of Hong Kong for the upcoming National Games, the National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the National Special Olympic Games on Thursday (Oct 9).
Lee is scheduled to officiate the flame-lighting ceremony in Nansha, Guangzhou. Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki will receive the flame.
The ceremony precedes the 15th National Games, which will be jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau.
In preparation for the games, Yeung Tak-keung, head of the National Games Coordination Office, said the final arrangements for the torch relay are being discussed by the three host regions, with the Hong Kong route specifically designed to showcase the city's cultural and sports characteristics.
The torchbearers will include individuals from the sports community and various other sectors, he revealed.
As co-host, Hong Kong will stage eight competition disciplines. Following the opening ceremony, the competition schedule will intensify significantly after about one week, with multiple events occurring simultaneously on certain days.
Yeung said a cross-departmental command center will coordinate manpower across various functions, including event operations, information systems, transport and security.
He expressed confidence in the city's capability to manage the complex schedule.
Yeung also said Hong Kong will dispatch its largest-ever delegation for the Games, with more than 600 athletes competing in 28 sports. In related developments, Hong Kong will send eight sailors to compete in the sailing events for the Games in Shanwei, Guangdong from October 20 to 29.
Head coach Harris Tsolis said that the team plans to arrive five days early to acclimatize to the conditions.
He noted that winning Hong Kong's first-ever National Games medal in sailing would be an excellent outcome.
Cheung Mei-han, president of the Sailing Federation of Hong Kong, China, highlighted the rising standards of sailors from both mainland China and Hong Kong. She described the upcoming competition as a fantastic event and a valuable learning opportunity, expressing high hopes for the Hong Kong athletes and encouraging public support.
Hong Kong sailor Nicholas Halliday said he will strive to do his best and does not feel pressure.
