Preparations for the 15th National Games of China have been completed in Hong Kong and Macao competition zones, as anticipation builds up for a spectacular sports extravaganza across south China’s vibrant city cluster.
The Games, scheduled to run from Nov 9 to 21, will be co-hosted by Guangdong Province and the neighboring Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions (SARs), highlighting the integrated development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
Hong Kong will welcome nearly 4,000 athletes, delegation members and technical officials to participate in eight competitive events and one mass event of the National Games, as well as four competitive events and one mass event of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, also the 9th National Special Olympic Games.
The Hong Kong SAR Government initiated the establishment of an Organizing Committee in 2023, working efficiently in coordination with Guangdong and Macao to carry out event organization, logistical support, and venue checks.
Hong Kong officials said that all aspects of the event have been prepared and expressed expectations of a simple, safe and wonderful Games.
"In organizing the 15th National Games, Hong Kong indeed has very close ties and cooperation with Guangdong and Macao. Over the past two years and more, we have been preparing for this National Games through various means, including face-to-face meetings, regular online meetings, and other communication methods. Hong Kong competition zone is ready for events of the 15th National Games," said Yeung Tak-keung, head of the National Games Coordination Office of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
All the preparatory work in Macao has also been fully completed, with the city already immersed in the cheerful atmosphere of this long-awaited sporting event.
The Macao competition zone will host five events, including table tennis, 3-on-3 basketball, 5-on-5 basketball (men's under-18 group), volleyball (women's adult group), and karate across venues such as the East Asian Games Dome, Tap Seac Multisport Pavilion, and Galaxy Arena.
The programme in Macao commenced on Thursday with Karate events at the Macao Forum. Table tennis events have also kicked off at the Galaxy Arena, Macao's largest indoor venue with seating for 16,000.
Outside the competition venues, the promotional slogans and theme flowers of the 15th National Games have also decorated the streets and alleys of Macao in a brand-new look, while promotional songs are heard throughout the city and festive activities spur excitement for the event.
In Guangdong, transportation authorities have taken measures to ensure the smooth operation of the Games and provide participants with an efficient and convenient travel experience. Railway stations, bus terminals, and subway stops have added nighttime trains, enhanced transportation capacity, and optimized facilities.
The National Games, held every four years, is China's highest level and largest national multi-sports event. The last edition in 2021 saw over 12,000 athletes compete in the northwestern province of Shaanxi.
Hong Kong, Macao complete preparations for 15th National Games
