Hong Kong Honors Volunteers at National Games Recognition Ceremony

Volunteers of 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG contribute over 360 000 hours of service

The National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) today (February 7) staged a Volunteer Recognition Ceremony of the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) in Hong Kong. The ceremony recognised the exceptional dedication and effort of volunteers who devoted themselves throughout the test events and the official events.

The ceremony was held at the Hong Kong Velodrome, with officiating guests including the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Martin Liao;the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law; the Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms Vivian Sum; the Head of the NGCO, Mr Yeung Tak-keung; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Volunteers Association, Mr Andy Kwok; and the Chairperson of the Agency for Volunteer Service, Ms Melissa Kaye Pang. Nearly 3 000 volunteer representatives attended the event, where awards were presented to selected volunteers and volunteer groups for their exceptional service.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan expressed that Hong Kong's involvement in jointly hosting the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG is a testament to the trust and support from the country. The successful execution of events in the Hong Kong competition region was made possible not only through the collaborative efforts of various government departments and sectors of society, but also through the support of a passionate team of volunteers. Over the past year, more than 15 000 volunteers participated, accumulating over 360 000 hours of service. The volunteers exemplified Hong Kong's hospitality to the events and showcased enthusiasm and efficiency. He also thanked the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their full support for the volunteer programme, as well as the Hong Kong Volunteers Association and the Agency for Volunteer Service for their assistance in recruiting, training, and managing the volunteer team.

The ceremony began with performances by members of the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Association, China and the mascots of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, Xiyangyang and Lerongrong. After the volunteer awardees and groups received their accolades, some volunteers shared personal stories, highlighting the motivations and sentiments behind their service. Additionally, members of the Hong Kong men's handball team, who reached the semifinals in the 15th NG, attended the event to interact with the audience and perform alongside a singer.

The Volunteer Recognition Ceremony of the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), Photo source: HKSAR Government Press Release

Volunteers of 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG contribute over 360 000 hours of service Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Volunteers of 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG contribute over 360 000 hours of service Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Volunteers of 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG contribute over 360 000 hours of service Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Volunteers of 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG contribute over 360 000 hours of service Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Volunteers of 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG contribute over 360 000 hours of service Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling

Hong Kong Customs shut down an underground cigarette factory in Fanling yesterday (April 9), and seized about 31.92 tons of suspected duty-not-paid manufactured tobacco and 1.23 million sticks of suspected illicit cigarette. The total estimated market value of all seizure was about $220 million, while the duty potential was about $130 million. Six persons suspected to be connected with the case were arrested.

After in-depth investigation, Customs Officers identified a large metal hut in Ping Che, Fanling. Customs raided the metal hut yesterday morning and found a complete illegal cigarette production line which included machines for producing and packaging illicit cigarettes, a large amount of raw materials used for manufacturing illicit cigarettes and finished illicit cigarette products. Five men and one woman, aged between 21 and 52, were arrested at the scene.

The case is still under investigation. Customs will continue to trace the source of the batch of raw materials of the illicit cigarettes and the production line-related machines. The likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.

Customs reminds members of the public that they must be vigilant when purchasing cigarettes. They should patronise reputable merchants or stores and not purchase cigarettes from unknown sources to avoid threats to their health.

Under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109), a person shall not, except under and in accordance with a licence, manufacture tobacco. Besides, any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs shuts down underground cigarette factory in Fanling Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases