The Ninth Hong Kong Games opened today at the Hong Kong Coliseum.

The games were declared officially open by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, before athletes from the 18 districts and members of the public.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Acting Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Raistlin Lau said the biennial event offers an opportunity for athletes to showcase their talents and compete for honours.

Mr Lau called on members of the public to watch the events and cheer for the athletes, and to join in the accompanying community participation activities.

Mainland Olympic gold medallists Wang Yilyu and Ding Ning, along with Hong Kong medallists Samuel Hui and Minnie Soo, carried the games' torch and used it to light the cauldron at the venue.

The ceremony also featured various performances, including lion dances and a cheerleading show, in addition to breaking, skateboarding, wushu and Latin dance demonstrations, and performances by pop singers.

The games’ inter-district sports competitions are being held from today until June 9. The competitions cover eight sports, namely athletics, badminton, 3-on-3 basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.

The four events in the competitions for people with disabilities include wheelchair 3-on-3 basketball, boccia, swimming and table tennis.

In addition, there are four Urban Sports Demonstration Competitions. These are in women's futsal, breaking, skateboarding and sport climbing.

The finals of all competitions will be webcast live, while seven of the finals will be broadcast live on Radio Television Hong Kong TV 32.

Members of the public can take part in various community participation activities, which include the Dynamic Moments Photo Contest and voting and guessing activities.

Click here for details.