CE congratulates Hong Kong, China athletes on their outstanding performance at 15th National Games
The 15th National Games (NG) concludes today (November 21). Noting that this year's NG is jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao for the first time, the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, expressed gratitude to the Central Government's trust and the General Administration of Sport of China's support, and congratulated Hong Kong, China athletes' on their historic achievements at the 15th NG. Mr Lee commended their excellent performance and perseverance, and thanked various sectors of the community for their support to the 15th NG and the athletes.
Mr John Lee, Photo source: reference image
Mr Lee said, "Since its return to the motherland, Hong Kong has participated as a host city for the first time in this country's highest-level and largest-scale multisport event, marking a significant milestone in its sports development. The eight competition events and one mass participation event Hong Kong hosted, along with two cross-boundary events it co-hosted, aiming for the highest standards in preparations, were completed successfully. 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 (GBA), laying a solid foundation for hosting more major international mega events in the GBA.
"The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) sent its largest-ever delegation to this year's NG. 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.
"Hong Kong athletes have excelled in multiple events at this year's NG. In addition to their training efforts, their success is also attributed to the selfless contributions of coaches from the Hong Kong Sports Institute, relevant National Sports Associations and their affiliated clubs, medical personnel and support teams. I recognise and appreciate their contributions. I would also like to thank various sectors of the community for their support and assistance to the 15th NG, 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."
Mr Lee remarked that the HKSAR Government has been sparing no effort in promoting sports development through the policy objectives of promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing professionalism, and developing sports as an industry. The HKSAR Government will leverage the successful experience of the 15th NG and continue to promote sports development through different initiatives. These include strengthening support for athletes, stepping up publicity in the community, leveraging 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 further deepen co-operation with GBA cities, which will complement each other's strengths to jointly advance the development of sports and the sports industry in the GBA.
The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will be held from December 8 to 15, with Hong Kong hosting four competition events and one mass participation event. Mr Lee said that Hong Kong will continue to do its utmost in hosting the events to conduct a simple, safe and wonderful Games with Guangdong Province and Macao. He expressed his confidence that various sectors of society will continue to support Hong Kong athletes to shine in the events and showcase their indomitable spirit.
The mascots of the 15th National Games, Photo source: reference image
