Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau held a joint press conference in Guangzhou today ahead of the beginning of a 100-day countdown tomorrow to the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG).

The press conference also provided updates on the progress of preparations in respective competition regions, besides showcasing the uniforms, medals, sports pictograms and icons of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG.

Deputy Secretary-General of the Organising Committee of the 12th NGD & the 9th NSOG and Vice Chairperson of the Guangdong Provincial Executive Committee for the 12th NGD & the 9th NSOG Chen Xuejun said 9,735 individuals, comprising athletes with disabilities and coaches, have confirmed their participation, making this the largest ever edition of the NGD and NSOG.

Mr Chen added that 13 test events have already been organised for the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, with 22 more to be held and the official theme song also yet to be released.

Head of the Preparatory Office for the 15th National Games, 12th NGD & 9th NSOG in Macao Pun Weng-kun revealed that the Macau competition region had completed an operational test for the badminton event in mid-August, in accordance with official event standards.

Mr Pun said Macau will also conduct comprehensive accessibility inspections to ensure all preliminary preparations are in place.

National Games Coordination Office (Hong Kong) Head Yeung Tak-keung reported that the Hong Kong competition region, in collaboration with relevant sports associations and organisations, conducted pre-event drills between March and June this year for events to be held in Hong Kong.

These drills covered operational flows, functional zoning, barrier-free facilities, medical services and volunteer arrangements.

Tickets for the three events of the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG due to be held in Hong Kong, namely boccia, wheelchair fencing, and table tennis (TT11 class), are planned for sale in batches in early October, in accordance with the competition schedules.