Speech by SCST at opening ceremony of World Grand Prix 2026
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony of World Grand Prix 2026 today (February 3):
Mr Brownell (Chief Executive Officer of the World Snooker Tour, Mr Simon Brownell), Ms Feng (Chief Executive Officer of the F-Sports Promotions Limited, Ms Feng Huanhuan), Mr Law (Chairman of the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited, Mr Vincent Law), Mr Tsang (Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Goldlion Holdings Limited, Mr Ricky Tsang), distinguished guests, fellow players, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening. It is my great privilege and pleasure to welcome you to the World Grand Prix 2026 at the iconic Kai Tak Arena.
This tournament, recognised with the "M" Mark status, symbolises excellence in sports management and community engagement. Tonight, the world's top-ranking players gather - not only to compete for the title and invaluable ranking points but to showcase the extraordinary talent, skills and passion that make this sport so compelling. This year's Grand Prix promises to be an unforgettable spectacle for everyone in the audience.
Fans should expect nothing short of extraordinary matches, filled with mastery and fierce competition. Leading the field is our defending champion, Neil Robertson, alongside giants of the game like Judd Trump and here with us tonight, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and many of China's top-ranking, finest players of the game. Over the next five days, they will light up the arena with thrilling, edge-of-your-seat battles - each one brimming with drama, tension, and sheer brilliance.
It is a true privilege to host this event in Hong Kong. I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the World Snooker Tour, the F-Sports Promotions Limited, the Billiard Sports Council of Hong Kong China Limited, and all our sponsors and partners. Your unwavering commitment and concerted efforts have made this event possible. By hosting this Grand Prix, we are not only contributing to the legacy of snooker in our community but also elevating the sport's local profile and reinforcing Hong Kong's reputation as a premier destination for major international sporting events.
To all our overseas participants and supporters, I invite you to immerse yourselves in the vibrant culture and warm hospitality of Hong Kong. May your time here be filled with wonderful moments - both on and off the table - and may you take home lasting memories of our beautiful city.
In closing, I wish the World Grand Prix 2026 resounding success, and to all contestants, the very best of luck.
Thank you. Let the games begin.
Source: AI-found images
CHP investigates two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters
The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health is today (February 3) investigating two epidemiologically linked food poisoning clusters affecting a total of six persons. The CHP reminded the public to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene to prevent foodborne diseases.
The clusters involve two males and four females aged between 21 and 26. They developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea and fever about 20 to 35 hours after having dinner at Dol Dam Gil Korean Restaurant located at Shop 20, 22, G/F, Wing Lee Building, 27-33 Kimberley Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, on January 28 and 29 respectively.
Five of the affected persons sought medical advice but did not require hospitalisation.All of the affected individuals are currently in stable condition.
A preliminary investigation revealed that pre-shucked oysters and soy sauce marinated crab were the food items that the affected individuals had in common at the aforementioned restaurant. Officers of the CHP and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (including personnel of the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and the Environmental Hygiene Branch) conducted a joint investigation and examined the handling processes and food hygiene at the restaurant. Environmental samples were also collected for testing. The CFS's field investigation revealed that the affected persons may have contracted food poisoning from consuming raw food. The CFS immediately instructed the premises concerned to suspend serving the incriminated food items and to carry out cleaning and disinfection of the premises. The officers have also provided health education related to food safety and environmental hygiene to the staff of the premises.
The investigation of the CHP and the CFS is ongoing.
To prevent foodborne diseases, members of the public are reminded to maintain personal, food and environmental hygiene at all times. When dining out, one should:
Avoid eating raw seafood;
Be a discerning consumer in choosing cold dishes, including sashimi, sushi and raw oysters at a buffet;
Choose pasteurised eggs, egg products or dried egg powder for dishes that often use undercooked eggs;
Patronise only reliable and licensed restaurants;
Ensure food is thoroughly cooked before eating during a hotpot or barbecue meal;
Handle raw and cooked foods carefully and separate them completely during the cooking process;
Use two sets of chopsticks and utensils to handle raw and cooked foods;
Avoid patronising illegal food hawkers;
Drink boiled water;
Susceptible populations, including those with weakened immunity, the elderly, pregnant women and young children, are at a higher risk of foodborne diseases, so they should not consume raw or undercooked foods;
Refrain from trying to use salt, vinegar, wine or wasabi to kill bacteria as they are not effective; and
Always wash hands before eating and after going to the toilet.
Source: AI-found images
