Hong Kong venues make thoughtful preparations for para games athletes, spectators

Sports venues of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region have rolled out comprehensive accessibility upgrades and thoughtful preparations to ensure athletes and spectators with disabilities enjoy a seamless and inclusive experience at the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games.

The Games being held in Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao special administrative regions started on December 8 and will run through December 15.

Hong Kong hosted four competition events including Paralympic disciplines such as boccia and wheelchair fencing.

At Hong Kong's Kai Tak Sports Park, design details are specifically tailored for the athletes.

For instance, the wooden floor was specifically constructed for boccia. Previously, the edge of the court featured a small step, but now a ramp has been added, facilitating the athletes' wheelchairs to move freely, smoothly, and safely without obstruction.

Beyond the preparations within the competition venues, thoughtful designs are also evident throughout the public areas outside the venues.

Upon entering the sports complex, numerous directional signs are visible.

Unlike typical signage, these include not only text and maps but also tactile Braille guides and audio announcements in Cantonese, English, and Mandarin, ensuring that all athletes and spectators can access necessary information.

The venue has also made special arrangements for wheelchair spectators.

In the accessible spectator seating area, all attendees can reach the second-floor viewing zone via elevators after entering the venue.

Many spectators are able to park their wheelchairs in the designated front-row wheelchair seats, as the entire process ensures barrier-free and smooth access.

Hong Kong venues make thoughtful preparations for para games athletes, spectators

European Union (EU) negotiators agreed late on Tuesday to a binding 2040 climate target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels, according to a European Parliament press release.

Lawmakers from the European Parliament and EU member states reached a provisional political deal to amend the EU Climate Law and set a new intermediate target between the bloc's existing 2030 and 2050 climate goals, according to the statement.

Under the deal, member states will have more flexibility in how they meet the 2040 objective. From 2036, up to five percentage points of the overall emissions reduction may be achieved using high-quality international carbon credits that comply with the Paris Agreement.

The European Commission will review progress towards the 2040 goal every two years, assessing the latest scientific evidence, technological developments and impacts on the EU's global competitiveness, the parliament said.

The provisional agreement must still be formally approved by both the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. It will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU's Official Journal.

The existing European Climate Law makes climate neutrality by 2050 a legal obligation for all member states. It sets a binding target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 compared with 1990 levels.

EU seals deal on 2040 climate target to cut emissions by 90 pct