Performance as cohost to come under bright lights

The eight National Games events to be held in Hong Kong will demonstrate the city's capacity to host international sports events, says lawmaker Vincent Cheng Wing-shun.

Cheng, speaking to The Standard, emphasized that this presents an opportunity for the city to foster greater collaboration with other cities in the Greater Bay Area in organizing sports events.

Cheng welcomed the decision to host the eight events, saying they are popular among Hongkongers.

"The significance of hosting these events at the Kai Tak Sports Park for the first time, I hope, is it will showcase the park's capabilities and provide an excellent experience for tourists," he added.

Cheng said it was expected that the opening and closing ceremonies would not take place in Hong Kong as the city joined in as a participant after the core organizers were established.

He acknowledged the challenge of hosting such large-scale ceremonies soon after the opening of the Kai Tak Sports Park.

"I hope this would not be a one-off arrangement," Cheng said.

"We can build a relationship to cooperate with other Greater Bay Area cities and pave the way for more sports events between Hong Kong and the GBA to be held regularly.

"There are not many competitions being held between Hong Kong and other mainland cities, after organizing the National Games, but I hope that can change." He mentioned the possibility of organizing an annual national fencing competition in the SAR as an example of increased exchanges between Hong Kong and mainland cities.

Timothy Chui Ting-pong, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, echoed Cheng's sentiments, emphasizing that the events would undoubtedly attract audiences and serve as a stepping stone for building cooperation with cities in the Greater Bay Area.

"Once Hong Kong proves its ability to collaborate effectively with other cities in the region, the next step would be to pursue additional mega events within the GBA," he said.

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com