The opening ceremony of the first Hong Kong Games will be held at Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground on April 21 with special guests Chinese Olympic gold medallists Xu Haifeng and Deng Yaping.

The ceremony will feature the march-in of 1,200 athletes from the 18 districts, a cheering team competition, the lighting of the torch, pyrotechnics, and performances by the Mainland and local artists.

Free tickets for the ceremony will be distributed at the Leisure & Cultural Services Department's District Leisure Services Offices from April 12 on a first-come, first-served basis, limited to two per person.

Competitions in the four sports of the games - athletics, badminton, basketball and table tennis - will be held until May 6, with the 18 District Councils fielding 1,265 athletes - 436 in athletics, 229 in badminton, 359 in basketball and 241 in table tennis.