Eight National Games events for Hong Kong

Hong Kong is set to host eight events during the 15th National Games, which will take place from November 9 to 21 next year.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu led a government delegation to Guangzhou to attend the inaugural meeting of the Games' organizing committee yesterday.

Committee director Zhang Xin said the opening ceremony will be held in Guangzhou, an the closing ceremony will take place in Shenzhen.

"The National Games are of the largest scale and highest level, with the most significant impact," he said.

"It is also be the first time for Hong Kong and Macau to cohost such an event, showing its great significance."

Most of the competitions will be held in Guangdong province, but Hong Kong will organize several events, including basketball for men under 22, cycling, fencing, golf, men's handball, rugby sevens, beach volleyball, triathlon and a mass-participation event in bowling.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung outlined the venues for the different events.

Basketball matches will be held at the Hong Kong Coliseum, cycling at the Hong Kong Velodrome in Tseung Kwan O and the golf event at Fanling Golf Course.

Triathlon and beach volleyball will take place at the Central Harbourfront and Victoria Park, respectively, while fencing, handball, rugby sevens and bowling will be hosted at the new Kai Tak Sports Park.

"We will review the condition of each sports venue to see if adjustments have to be made, but I believe we don't have to carry out large-scale construction work," Yeung said.

Additionally, Hong Kong will collaborate closely with Guangdong and Macau to ensure successful coordination, Yeung added.

Lee, an executive chairman of the organizing committee, emphasized the city's commitment to meeting the requirements of the General Administration of Sport of China and working in tandem with Guangdong and Macau.

In addition to the National Games, Hong Kong will host the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the ninth National Special Olympic Games from December 8 to 15 next year.

Five events will be organized by the city for these games - boccia, wheelchair fencing, para table tennis, as well as table tennis for the National Special Olympic Games, and a mass-participation event in para dance sport.

Lee said: "This is an opportunity for Hong Kong to demonstrate its capability in organizing major sports events."

He added that existing venues, along with the soon-to-be-completed Kai Tak Sports Park, will be utilized. Lee also expressed excitement about showcasing Hong Kong's picturesque landscape and unique characteristics during the triathlon event at Victoria Harbour and Central Harbourfront.

"Hong Kong will spare no effort in ensuring the success of the Games and maintaining close cooperation with Guangdong and Macau," Lee added.

wallis.wang@singtaonewscorp.com