The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government is gearing up to warmly welcome the 2,300 athletes and over 100,000 spectators expected to attend two major national sporting events taking place in the city late this year.

Officials on Monday outlined various preparations aimed at enhancing reception, publicity and infrastructure for the games. Key measures include opening dedicated border-clearance channels for athletes and employees, establishing more photo-taking spots and street decorations, and launching a smart platform to simplify ticket purchasing.

The Hong Kong SAR will team up with the Macao SAR and Guangdong province to host two sports events — the 15th National Games in November, and the combined 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and 9th National Special Olympic Games in December.

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The city will stage eight competition events, including men’s U22 basketball, fencing, golf, rugby sevens, and triathlon, as well as one mass participation event in bowling.

Yeung Tak-keung, head of the National Games Coordination Office, told a Legislative Council meeting that during the games, the government expects over 2,300 athletes and 1,800 delegation and technical officials to come to Hong Kong.

The SAR government will set up dedicated immigration and customs clearance channels at four boundary control points — Hong Kong International Airport, West Kowloon railway station, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, and Shenzhen Bay — to facilitate the arrival of athletes, employees, media reporters and high-profile guests.

Transportation pickup services will be provided to help them travel between hotels and competition and training venues. Additionally, 25 wheelchair-accessible buses will be arranged to serve disabled athletes.

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said her bureau is working with the Hong Kong Police Force and Transport Department to assess traffic and transportation arrangements to and from the venues.

Authorities will also discuss ways to strengthen bus and railway services with public transport operators, Law added.

The government said the second stage of the National Game’s promotion will run until July, with the third stage beginning in August. More photo-taking spots featuring the games’ mascots, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong, will be set up, and areas around the competition venues will be spruced up with elements of the games to infuse the community with sports vibes.

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Other warm-up activities include a 100-day countdown, a torch relay, and the celebration of Sport For All Day.

The two national sports meets are expected to draw over 100,000 spectators from Hong Kong, the mainland, and other regions.

Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao will use the same ticket sales platform for the two events, offering online sales via websites and mobile applications, and offline sales through official ticket outlets and booths at the venues.

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau encourages the tourism sector to develop various travel packages in accordance with the ticketing arrangements.

Contact the writer at atlasshao@chinadailyhk.com