Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th National Games (NG) and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki attended a press conference on preparations for the 15th NG organised by the Information Office of the State Council this afternoon in Beijing.

Mr Chan, along with relevant officials from the General Administration of Sport of China, Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region, introduced the progress of the preparations and highlights of the 15th NG.

As regards Hong Kong's advantages in organising competition events, Mr Chan said that the successful test events for the 15th NG held in Hong Kong have showcased the city's capability to organise large-scale competitions.

He noted that as a cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong's strategic location and convenient transportation have attracted both overseas and Mainland tourists, as well as media.

Leveraging its institutional and geographical strengths from “one country, two systems”, along with the unique advantage of having strong support from the motherland and close connection with the world, Hong Kong can serve as a solid force in national sports development, backed by rich experience and the capability to organise large-scale sports events.

Mr Chan said: “Hong Kong boasts a comprehensive sports infrastructure. The newly completed Kai Tak Sports Park has emerged as a sports landmark for the city, complemented by top-tier facilities such as the Hong Kong Velodrome and Fanling Golf Course, creating a solid foundation for hosting competition events.

“Additionally, Hong Kong has accumulated extensive experience in organising large-scale events, including the Hong Kong Marathon and the Hong Kong Sevens, demonstrating its efficient co-ordination and execution capabilities.”

Regarding the promotion of sports development in Hong Kong via the NG, Mr Chan stated that the NG is the largest multisport event in the country. Hosting the NG successfully will not only enhance Hong Kong's international standing in sports but also encourage young people to pursue careers in sports. This will help cultivate local athletes and sports management professionals, fostering long-term growth in Hong Kong's sports industry.

“With the full support and assistance of the General Administration of Sport of China, the relevant departments of Hong Kong and the Mainland have established a regular communication mechanism, closely liaising and co-ordinating on aspects including event organisation, venue preparation, volunteer training and security measures, fully manifesting the synergy effect.

“Hosting the NG is a major priority for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. Relevant departments are working together and actively preparing in their respective professional fields. Upon the completion of the 15th NG, the experience gained by each department will form the foundation for the Hong Kong SAR Government to pursue more mega sports events in the future.”

Addressing the challenges of tripartite collaboration for the competitions, Mr Chan highlighted that the first-ever cross-boundary road cycling and athletics marathon are signature events of the 15th NG cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, highlighting the unique feature of the three places cohosting the NG.

He pointed out that the cohosting of the events by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau requires meticulous tripartite planning and co-ordination.

Throughout the preparation and organisation phases, the governments of the three places have maintained close exchanges, including visits to cross-boundary routes and co-ordination among relevant departments and units for working meetings.

Substantial co-ordination is required to overcome various challenges, such as managing road closures, implementing temporary control measures at control points, ensuring closed-loop arrangements throughout the events, and providing motorcade escorts.

Additionally, leveraging technology is essential to guarantee zero delay, zero contact and zero waiting time during clearance, while preventing race convoys and athletes from deviating off course.

He added that government departments and sports sectors of the three places share experiences in areas such as policies, talent development, facilities, training, management and skills. The NG competition events will also stimulate Hong Kong people's passion for sports and encourage their participation and support, further increasing Hong Kong's influence in the development of sports in the Greater Bay Area.

On the role of hosting the 15th NG in Hong Kong's integration into the overall development of the country, Mr Chan emphasised that this is the first time the NG is cohosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, as well as the first time Hong Kong is hosting this national sports event, which is of great significance.

“It will not only enhance Hong Kong's ability to organise mega sports events and promote the development of the sports industry in the GBA, but also provide an important opportunity for Hong Kong to better integrate into the national development.”

Mr Chan said that the 15th NG will further create new opportunities for sports exchanges, foster communication among people, and stimulate economic synergies in the bay area.

To facilitate Mainland tourists attending the games in Hong Kong, the organising committee is actively seeking to secure more facilitation measures for exit endorsements for Mainland residents travelling to Hong Kong, enabling tourists to combine their trips with the competitions.

Mr Chan underscored that by cohosting competition events, the three places have effectively established a multi-level liaison mechanism among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, which includes regular meetings and joint working groups.

In addition, through the concerted efforts of the governments of the three places, a consensus has been reached on mutual recognition and co-operation in key areas, including cross-boundary customs clearance, supplies distribution, food safety and green events, thereby providing practical opportunities to explore the implementation of “one matter, three places”, “one policy, three places”, and “one regulation, three places” in the GBA, and creating a new chapter in developing the bay area into a world-class, diversified city cluster.

Mr Chan also mentioned that the 15th NG embodies the mutually beneficial sharing of expertise and resources among the three places, promoting the integration of culture, sports and tourism in the GBA while igniting public passion through the competitions.

By participating as home spectators in national events, Hong Kong people can witness the indomitable spirit of Mainland athletes, enhancing their pride in the country.

He added that over 1,000 volunteers have been recruited for the competition events to be hosted in Hong Kong, making it the largest volunteer unit to date. This not only strengthens societal cohesion but also fully demonstrates Hong Kong people's dedication to serving the community and supporting national mega events.

Officials attending today's press conference also included Deputy Director of the General Administration of Sport of China Tong Lixin, Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Standing Committee member of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee Wang Xi, and Vice President of the Organising Committee of the 15th NG and Secretary for Social Affairs & Culture of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government O Lam.