Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of HKGX 2025 IBF World Championships
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of the HKGX 2025 IBF World Championships today (November 24):
His Excellency Sheikh Talal Mohammad Al-Sabah (President of the International Bowling Federation), Mr Timothy Fok (President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China), Ms Vivien Lau (Chairman of the Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening, everyone. A very warm welcome to the opening ceremony of the HKGX 2025 IBF World Championships, especially our friends who have travelled from abroad. Welcome.
It is a tremendous honour for Hong Kong to host this prestigious event for the first time. Following the success of January's IBF World Cup and IBF Para Bowling World Championships, we are once again privileged to welcome the world's bowling elites to our city. Over fifty of the world's top men's and women's teams will compete across four events, showcasing the finely-honed skills and profound perseverance that have brought them here. The stage is set for an unforgettable display of athletic excellence.
My sincere gratitude goes to the Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress for their meticulous organisation and unwavering dedication to promoting tenpin bowling as an elite sport in Hong Kong. I would also like to thank the title sponsor, the Hong Kong Gold Exchange, alongside all other sponsors, partners and volunteers. Your concerted support has been indispensable in making the world-class event a reality.
As we celebrate the passion of this World Championships, let us also take this opportunity to embrace the spirit of active participation in our community. With the 2025 Legislative Council General Election approaching, I strongly encourage every registered voter in Hong Kong to fulfil their civic duty and cast their vote on December 7. Together, let us elect patriotic, capable and visionary legislators who will contribute to the continuous prosperity of Hong Kong.
Before I close, I wish the World Championships a resounding success, and to all bowlers, the very best of luck. May you bowl with precision, passion, and the true spirit of sportsmanship. Thank you.
The HKGX 2025 IBF World Championships, Photo source: The official website of Hong Kong, China Tenpin Bowling Congress
DH reminds public to take precautions against heat-related illnesses during very hot weather
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (June 21) reminded members of the public to take appropriate precautions against heat-related illnesses, such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke, during very hot weather.
In a high-temperature environment, excessive sweating and difficulty in heat dissipation can cause stress to the body. Members of the public should take the following precautions:
- Hydrate in a timely manner to prevent dehydration;
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting and breathable clothing to minimise heat absorption and facilitate perspiration and heat dissipation;
- Keep indoor areas well ventilated and maintain appropriate temperature and humidity, e.g. by opening windows or using a fan or air-conditioning;
- Avoid strenuous exercise and prolonged activities such as hiking or trekking;
- Arrange outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible, and bring enough water; and
- Avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcoholic beverages, which may speed up water loss through the urinary system.
In addition, infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, overweight people and outdoor/manual workers are more susceptible to heat stroke. These groups should pay special attention to the following:
- Infants and young children: Avoid going outside when the temperature is high. If they must go outside, adults should ensure they stay in places with moderate temperatures and good ventilation or air-conditioning. Infants and young children should never be left unattended in a confined space such as a vehicle;
- The elderly, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses and overweight people: Pay close attention to health conditions and seek help as soon as possible if experiencing any abnormalities in health indicators such as blood pressure, heart rate, etc or if there are fluctuations in health conditions. Avoid going out when the temperature is high. Make sure there is good ventilation, or turn on a fan or air-conditioner to keep an appropriate temperature indoors. High temperatures can also worsen the condition of people with chronic illnesses (such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases). Therefore, they should have an ample supply of their usual medication and keep in contact with family members, neighbours and the community. People should seek immediate help if they feel unwell.
- Outdoor/manual workers: Reschedule work to cooler hours as far as feasible. If working in a hot environment is unavoidable, provide shade where practicable and use ventilation and heat dissipation equipment. Once work has begun, gradually adjust the pace of work and take breaks in the shade to regain strength.
The DH reminded the public that heat stroke is one of the most common health risks in hot weather. Over the past five years, there have been over 200 hospital admissions due to heat stroke each year in Hong Kong, with two to five fatal cases occurring mainly during the summer months from May to September. Vulnerable groups are more susceptible to heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion. In severe cases, patients may suffer from convulsions or become unconscious, which can be life-threatening if they are not cooled down and resuscitated in a timely manner.
Members of the public are also advised to pay attention to the latest weather, as well as the real-time and forecasted ultraviolet (UV) index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV index is high (6 or above), the public should note the following:
- Avoid direct sunlight exposure to the skin and the eyes;
- Apply broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen liberally, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 or higher, when participating in outdoor activities. Reapply every two hours if staying outdoors for long periods, or after swimming, sweating or towelling off;
- While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen before insect repellent;
- Seek shade;
- Wear UV-blocking sunglasses;
- Wear loose-fitting clothing with long-sleeves; and
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella.
If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
For more health information, the public may visit theCHP's heat strokepage andUV radiation page; the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200),latestweather report and forecast,UV Indexand weather information forhiking and mountaineering; andpress releasesof the Labour Departmenton precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Heat Stress at Work Warning is in force.
Source: AI-found images
