Speech by SCST at 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IIIB
Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division IIIB today (April 13):
The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, Photo source: reference image
Mr Petr Briza (Senior Vice President of International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) and Tournament Chairman of 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship Division III, Group B), Mr Sherman Chan (Chairman of Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good evening, everyone. Following the success of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, I am delighted to see the winter sports craze continues in Hong Kong. We are about to enjoy the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, presented by the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association. Before the cool game begins, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to all the participating teams and their supporters.
Having successfully hosted the 2015 Women's World Championship Division II Group B Qualification, we are proud and deeply honoured to bring this prestigious Ice Hockey Championships back to our city this year. What's more, this is the first time Hong Kong hosts three World Championships tournaments together - covering the Men's, Women's and Men's Under-18 categories.
The growing popularity of ice hockey in Hong Kong has been fueled by the remarkable achievements of our local teams in recent years. Hosting international ice hockey events allows our athletes to test their skills against world-class opponents, brings excitement to local ice hockey enthusiasts and attracts a wider audience to this dynamic sport.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the Hong Kong, China Ice Hockey Association for its tireless efforts and dedication in securing the hosting rights for these tournaments, giving the people of Hong Kong the opportunity to experience the thrill of the games firsthand. Over the years, the Association has worked closely with its international partners to organise signature events and provide essential training and competition opportunities, enabling our young athletes to thrive and nurturing the next generation of sporting talent.
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region places great emphasis on sports development and has committed over $6 million to the Championships through the Arts and Sport Development Fund. We look forward to hosting more premier ice hockey events in Hong Kong, further elevating our city's status as a hub for major international sports events and fostering the growth of the sports industry.
In closing, I wish the tournament every success, and I hope all participating teams have a wonderful time exploring our dynamic and vibrant city during your stay in Hong Kong. Thank you very much.
Photo source: iihf.com
Special traffic arrangements for race meeting in Happy Valley
The Police will implement special traffic arrangements in Happy Valley today (June 10). These arrangements will remain in effect until the race meeting has concluded, spectators have dispersed, and traffic conditions return to normal.
A. Traffic arrangements before the commencement of the first race
The following road closure and traffic diversions will be implemented from 50 minutes before the start of the first race for day racing, or from 6pm onwards for night racing:
1. Road closure
Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen’s Road East and the up-ramp outside the Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC) will be closed, except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel.
2. Traffic diversions
- Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the up-ramp outside the HKJC will be rerouted one way northbound;
- Traffic along eastbound Queen's Road East heading for Wan Chai and Happy Valley will be diverted to turn left to Morrison Hill Road;
- Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
- Traffic along Queen's Road East cannot turn right to Wong Nai Chung Road, except for vehicles heading for Aberdeen Tunnel;
- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Queen's Road East will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Morrison Hill Road to turn right at the junction of Wong Nai Chung Road and Queen's Road East; and
- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley or Racecourse will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, southbound Morrison Hill Road, Sports Road and Wong Nai Chung Road.
B. Traffic arrangements before the conclusion of race meeting
The following road closure and traffic diversions will be implemented from about 35 minutes before the start of the last race:
1. Road closure
- The up-ramp on Wong Nai Chung Road outside the HKJC leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
- Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Queen's Road East and the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel;
- Southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Village Road and the Public Stands of the HKJC;
- Westbound Leighton Road between Wong Nai Chung Road and Canal Road East; and
- Southbound Morrison Hill Road between Leighton Road and Queen's Road East.
In addition, southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between the up-ramp leading to Aberdeen Tunnel and the Public Stands of the HKJC will be closed from about 10 minutes before the start of the last race.
2. Traffic diversions
- Eastbound Queen's Road East at its junction with Morrison Hill Road will be reduced to one-lane traffic heading for northbound Canal Road flyover;
- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Wan Chai will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, U-turn slip road beneath Canal Road flyover, Canal Road West and Hennessy Road;
- Traffic from Cross Harbour Tunnel heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via the down-ramp leading from southbound Canal Road flyover to Canal Road East, eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road;
- Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road will be diverted to turn left to eastbound Leighton Road;
- Traffic along southbound Morrison Hill Road heading for Happy Valley will be diverted via eastbound Leighton Road and Wong Nai Chung Road; and
- Traffic along westbound Leighton Road will be diverted to Wong Nai Chung Road.
C. Prohibition for learner drivers
Learner drivers will be prohibited to turn left from Caroline Hill Road to Leighton Road between one and a half hours before the start of the first race and one hour after the last race. In addition, learner drivers will be prohibited from accessing the following roads within the above period of time:
- Shan Kwong Road between Yik Yam Street and Wong Nai Chung Road;
- Village Road between its upper and lower junctions with Shan Kwong Road;
- Percival Street between Hennessy Road and Leighton Road;
- Canal Road East; and
- The service road leading from Gloucester Road to Canal Road flyover.
D. Suspension of parking spaces
Parking spaces on southbound Wong Nai Chung Road between Sports Road and Blue Pool Road will be suspended from 11am to 7pm for day racing, and from 5pm to 11.59pm for night racing respectively.
All vehicles parked illegally during the implementation of the above special traffic arrangements will be towed away without prior warning, and may be subject to multiple ticketing.
Actual implementation of road closure and traffic diversion will be made by the Police at the time depending on traffic conditions in the areas. Motorists should exercise tolerance and patience, and follow the instructions of police officers on site.
Source: AI-found images
