A press conference was held in Guangzhou today to introduce the details of preparation progress for the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG).
 
It also outlined the upcoming operational work plan among Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macau, which are co-hosting the games.
 
The press conference was hosted by the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committees for the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG; the National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) (NGCO) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government; and the Preparatory Office for the 15th NG, 12th NGD and 9th NSOG in Macau (Preparatory Office in Macau).
 
Addressing the press conference, NGCO Head Yeung Tak-keung said that Hong Kong firmly adheres to the principles of “green, inclusive, open and clean” while implementing the requirement of organising a “simple, safe and wonderful” event.
 
“We maintain strict budget control, optimise resource allocation, and prudently scale events to ensure practical preparations.”
 
He highlighted that the cross-boundary athletics marathon and road cycling events, which will be co-organised by Hong Kong, are signature events of the 15th NG, requiring meticulous tripartite planning and co-ordination in route design and expedited clearance for athletes, spectators and vehicles.
 
This cross-boundary collaboration enhances the Greater Bay Area’s overall competitiveness and fosters people-to-people exchanges in the bay area, Mr Yeung added.
 
Also speaking at the press conference, Hong Kong cyclist Wong Kam-po said that with the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge as the race course, the cross-boundary road cycling race is an iconic event with beautiful scenery and a challenging course as well.
 
Director of the Office of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG, 12th NGD & 9th NSOG and Deputy Secretary-General of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province Huang Mingzhong also spoke at the press conference.
 
Mr Huang emphasised that the co-hosting of the 15th NG by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, under the steer of the central ministries including the General Administration of Sport of China, and the Hong Kong & Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee, has built an innovative co-ordination mechanism.
 
Through close liaison and co-ordination, alignment has been reached in six key areas, namely cross-boundary events, port clearance, manpower and vehicle accreditation, food safety, green initiatives, and competition schedule.
 
The three places have pioneered a “three-place three-integration” co-hosting approach - integrated communication, direction, and operation, Mr Huang indicated.
 
Head of the Preparatory Office in Macau Pun Weng-kun told those gathered at the press conference that preparations for the 15th NG have entered the countdown phase. They will collaborate with different sectors of society to strengthen the organisational work for the events, enhancing the atmosphere of community-wide participation in the 15th NG.
 
This includes ongoing visits to communities and schools, connecting with promotional activities for culture, tourism, and sports, and launching franchised products in Macau, Mr Pun added.
 
Various franchised products were also showcased at the press conference, with designers explaining their creative concepts.
 
Hong Kong will soon set up sales points in various districts to sell a variety of franchised products related to the games, including products with unique Hong Kong features.