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

CCIDA leads industry delegation to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy and sponsors set-up of Hong Kong Pavilion

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau led an industry delegation to participate in the 63rd Bologna Children's Book Fair (BCBF) in Italy, and sponsored the industry's set-up of the Hong Kong Pavilion therein, which showcased more than 1 000 pieces of publications and printed works from over 60 Hong Kong publishers and printers. CCIDA also sponsored emerging picture book illustrators and a comic artist to attend the Fair and exhibit their creations there. The Hong Kong Pavilion attracted around 30 000 visitorsduring its four-day fair period (April 13 to 16, Bologna time).

Speaking at the launch cocktail reception of the Hong Kong Pavilion on April 13 (Bologna time), Assistant Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries Miss Yvonne Ip said that CCIDA has been nurturing Hong Kong illustrators and comic artists through various projects over the years, providing opportunities for them to expand their international visibility and enhance their professional development, thereby bringing Hong Kong picture books and comics onto the global stage. Many of these artists have attained international awards and secured contracts from overseas publishers, demonstrating the strength and appeal of Hong Hong's cultural and creative artists.

The Hong Kong Pavilion was co-organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation and the Hong Kong Printers Association. Nine artists participated in the Pavilion's Hong Kong Illustration Zone. The artists come from two CCIDA-sponsored initiatives (namely, the Go! Illustrators - Hong Kong Picture Book Illustrators at International Book Fairs Promotion Scheme and the Hong Kong Comics Support Programme). One of the artists received a Special Mention Award in the Young Adult Comics category at the BolognaRagazzi Awards, and one was longlisted at the Silent Book Contest this year.

With funding support from CCIDA, these nine artists attended and conducted business meetings with overseas publishers at the BCBF. They also hosted workshops in the Hong Kong Pavilion and had exchanges with publishers, editors and illustrators from all over the world, broadening their international perspectives and helping them explore business opportunities.

In addition, a launch ceremony in Europe of eight new picture books created by illustrators of the last edition of the Go! Illustrators and published under CCIDA's sponorship was also held at the Hong Kong Pavilion.

For more information on the Hong Kong Pavilion at the BCBF, please visit www.bookfairhkpavilion.com.

CCIDA leads industry delegation to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy and sponsors set-up of Hong Kong Pavilion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CCIDA leads industry delegation to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy and sponsors set-up of Hong Kong Pavilion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CCIDA leads industry delegation to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy and sponsors set-up of Hong Kong Pavilion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

CCIDA leads industry delegation to participate in Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy and sponsors set-up of Hong Kong Pavilion Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases