Chief Executive John Lee today welcomed a delegation led by State Councillor Shen Yiqin to Hong Kong to inspect competition facilities and witness events at the 15th National Games (NG).

At Government House, Mr Lee also spoke to Ms Shen of Hong Kong's preparatory work for the 15th NG, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, and of enhanced co-operation in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) on sports.

Expressing gratitude to Ms Shen and the General Administration of Sport of China (GASC) for their ongoing assistance in Hong Kong’s preparations, Mr Lee highlighted that the games – which are being jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau – mark the first time Hong Kong has participated as a host city in the country’s largest-scale multisport event, adding that this reflects the country's trust in Hong Kong and its support for collaboration across the GBA.

The Chief Executive remarked that Hong Kong made extensive preparations for the games and has been promoting them enthusiastically on the Mainland and overseas. He elaborated that the eight competition events being hosted in Hong Kong have so far gone smoothly in all aspects. Applauding the participating teams for their excellent sportsmanship and prowess, he also observed that audiences in Hong Kong have created an electric atmosphere.

Mr Lee said Hong Kong will spare no effort, in collaboration with Guangdong and Macau, to guarantee a simple, safe and wonderful games, and to fully seize on opportunities and potential they offer.

He also mentioned that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is advancing sport via five policy objectives: namely the promotion of sport in the community; supporting elite sports; maintaining the city’s status as a centre for major international sports events; enhancing professionalism; and developing sports as an industry.

Hong Kong, he said, will maintain close co-operation with the GASC to promote the joint development of the sports industry in the bay area and attract more major events, thereby contributing to a world-class bay area and to the country’s efforts to become a sporting powerhouse.