With the 15th National Games (NG) drawing to a close today, Chief Executive John Lee expressed gratitude to the central government for its trust in Hong Kong as a games co-host and to the General Administration of Sport of China for it support, and congratulated athletes representing Hong Kong, China on their historic achievements at the games.

Mr Lee highlighted that this was the first time Hong Kong had participated as a host city in the country’s highest-level and largest-scale multisport event, and therefore a significant milestone in the city’s sports development.

Hong Kong hosted eight competition events and one mass participation event, and co-hosted two cross-boundary events, demonstrating close collaboration with Guangdong, and Macau. Mr Lee said this reflected the central authorities’ firm support for the development of the Greater Bay Area (GBA), laying a solid foundation for it to stage more international mega events.

He added that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region sent its largest-ever delegation to this year’s NG.

“We are thrilled that Hong Kong athletes gave their utmost in the competitions and fully demonstrated their abilities, achieving historic results with a total of 19 medals, including nine gold, two silver, and eight bronze medals in sailing, cycling, tennis, swimming, rugby, triathlon and fencing. Their perseverance, outstanding performances and professional sportsmanship have won them warm applause and high regard, making the people of Hong Kong and myself deeply encouraged, moved and proud.”

As well as congratulating the athletes, Mr Lee also acknowledged the selfless contributions of coaches from the Hong Kong Sports Institute, relevant National Sports Associations and their affiliated clubs, and also medical personnel and support teams.

“I recognise and appreciate their contributions. I would also like to thank various sectors of the community for their support and assistance to the 15th NG, ensuring the smooth running of events in the Hong Kong competition region. The enthusiastic cheers and applause from Hong Kong citizens, who wholeheartedly supported the athletes, have further boosted the community's passion for sports.”

Mr Lee stressed that the Hong Kong SAR Government spares no effort in pursuing its policy objectives of promoting sports in the community, supporting elite sports, maintaining Hong Kong as a centre for major international sports events, enhancing sports professionalism, and developing sports as an industry.

The Hong Kong SAR Government aims to leverage the achievements of the 15th NG and will continue to promote sports development through various initiatives. These include strengthening support for athletes, stepping up publicity in the community, leveraging the advantages of the Kai Tak Sports Park, and attracting more international sports events to Hong Kong to drive the city’s “sports + mega events” development.

The Chief Executive said that Hong Kong will deepen co-operation with other GBA cities, adding that through complementing each other's strengths the various cities will jointly advance the development of sports in the GBA.

The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will be held from December 8 to 15, with Hong Kong hosting four competition events and one mass participation event.

Mr Lee said Hong Kong will do its utmost to stage a simple, safe and wonderful games along with Guangdong and Macau. He expressed his confidence that various sectors of society will continue to support Hong Kong athletes, spurring them to demonstrate their indomitable spirit in each event.