Little hint about which Olympians are coming as ticket sales to start

Michael Shum

Some 5,300 tickets to the gala show and sports demonstrations by mainland Olympians when they visit Hong Kong from August 29 to 31 will go on sale from Thursday.

The government yesterday confirmed the dates for the visit, but stopped short of naming the Olympians who are coming.

The delegation will start its visit with a welcome reception and banquet hosted by the government, and then head for the Hong Kong Sports Institute for exchanges with local athletes.

The gala show is penciled for 8pm to 9.30pm on August 30 at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wan Chai, offering Hongkongers a chance to see the national athletes, who will conduct demonstrations the next day, from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Badminton, gymnastics and table tennis demonstrations will be held at Queen Elizabeth Stadium, while those for diving and swimming are set in Victoria Park Swimming Pool in Causeway Bay.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said around 5,300 tickets for the gala show and sports demonstrations have been reserved for the public. They include free tickets for the underprivileged. A televised broadcast will also be available.

Tickets will be available for HK$20 each, starting at 10am on Thursday, via the internet, mobile app or credit card telephone booking services of URBTIX, the department said. Each person may purchase a maximum of two tickets at a time.

To avoid speculation, real-name registration is required for purchases and each ticket holder must present identity proof upon entry.

"As it will take time to verify personal particulars of ticket holders, we suggest spectators arrive early and appreciate their understanding," the department said.

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu separately expressed his "sincere gratitude" to the central government for arranging another visit of the Olympians, which "fully demonstrates its care for Hong Kong."

Lee added: "We are extremely proud to have witnessed China's competitive sports continue to scale new heights, and to demonstrate to the world the power of Chinese-style modernization."

michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com