HONG KONG – Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu commended Hong Kong athletes for their historic achievements and perseverance at the 15th National Games, which concluded on Friday.
Lee expressed gratitude to the central government for its trust in Hong Kong as a games co-host and to the General Administration of Sport of China for its support.
Highlighting that this was the first time Hong Kong had participated as a host city in the country’s highest-level and largest-scale multisport event, he said it is therefore a significant milestone in the city’s sports development.
Hong Kong hosted eight competition events and one mass participation event, and co-hosted two cross-boundary events, he said.
“This fully demonstrated the close collaboration among Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao and reflected the country's firm support in collaborative developments in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, laying a solid foundation for hosting more major international mega events in the GBA.”
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Pointing out that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent its largest-ever delegation to this year’s National Games, he said, “We are thrilled that Hong Kong athletes gave their utmost in the competitions and fully demonstrated their abilities, achieving historic results with a total of 19 medals, including nine gold, two silver, and eight bronze medals in sailing, cycling, tennis, swimming, rugby, triathlon and fencing.”
“Their perseverance, outstanding performances and professional sportsmanship have won them warm applause and high regard, making the people of Hong Kong and myself deeply encouraged, moved and proud,” the Hong Kong leader added.
Congratulating the athletes, he also acknowledged the selfless contributions of coaches from the Hong Kong Sports Institute, relevant National Sports Associations and their affiliated clubs, and also medical personnel and support teams.
Expressing appreciation for their contributions, the CE thanked various sectors of the community for their support and assistance to the 15th National Games, ensuring the smooth running of events in the Hong Kong competition region.
“The enthusiastic cheers and applause from Hong Kong citizens, who wholeheartedly supported the athletes, have further boosted the community's passion for sports,” he added.
The HKSAR government spares no effort in pursuing its policy objectives of promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a center for major international sports events, enhancing sports professionalism, and developing sports as an industry, said Lee.
The SAR government will continue to promote sports development through various initiatives aiming to leverage the achievements of the 15th National Games, he said. These include strengthening support for athletes, stepping up publicity in the community, leveraging the advantages of the Kai Tak Sports Park, and attracting more international sports events to Hong Kong to drive the city’s “sports + mega events” development.
Hong Kong will deepen cooperation with other GBA cities, he said, adding that through complementing each other's strengths, the various cities will jointly advance the development of sports in the 11-city cluster.
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will be held from Dec 8 to 15, with Hong Kong hosting four competition events and one mass participation event.
Hong Kong will do its utmost to stage a simple, safe, and wonderful games along with Guangdong and Macao, he said, expressing his confidence that various sectors of society will continue to support Hong Kong athletes, spurring them to demonstrate their indomitable spirit in each event.
