Hong Kong is poised to host a momentous sporting spectacle as the countdown to the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD), and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) officially commenced on November 9th, 2024. The event, slated for November 9th, 2025, and December 8th, 2025, marks a significant milestone for Hong Kong, as it will be the first time the city will co-host the National Games alongside Guangdong and Macao.
The one-year countdown was marked with a series of ceremonies held simultaneously in both Hong Kong and Guangdong, signifying the growing excitement surrounding the event. In Hong Kong, the ceremony was graced by Chief Executive Mr. John Lee, who expressed his anticipation for the Games, highlighting the opportunity for Hong Kong citizens to witness high-level sports competitions firsthand in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. The ceremony also featured the presence of prominent figures from the sporting community, including the Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr. Zheng Yanxiong, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr. Kevin Yeung, President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, Mr. Timothy Fok, and President of the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, Mrs. Jenny Fung.
Simultaneously, in Guangdong, the one-year countdown ceremony was held at the Haixinsha Asian Games Theme Park in Guangzhou. The event was attended by prominent figures from the organizing committees, senior officials of the General Administration of Sport of China, athletes, volunteers, and representatives from corporate sponsors. The ceremony featured a video speech by Chief Executive Mr. John Lee and the presence of Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr. Chan Kwok-ki, who, alongside other dignitaries, launched the countdown timer. The emblem, slogan, and mascot for the 15th NG, 12th NGD, and 9th NSOG were also unveiled at the ceremony.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has initiated a multi-pronged public awareness campaign leading up to the Games. This includes displaying buntings, banners, and posters across various districts, broadcasting television and radio announcements, and organizing roving exhibitions in different neighborhoods. To further engage the community, promotional activities will be launched in schools and community centers. The Television Division of Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) will also be airing a special television series titled “Towards the National Games” starting November 9th, 2024. The series will be aired on RTHK TV31 every Saturday at 9 pm from November 9th to December 7th, providing viewers with in-depth information about the upcoming Games.
The National Games, held every four years, are the nation’s most prominent and largest multi-sport event. The 15th NG will be a landmark event for Hong Kong, as it will be the first time the city has been chosen as a co-host. The National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) is a national multi-sport event featuring sports recognized by the International Paralympic Committee. The National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) encourages people with intellectual disabilities to participate in sports competitions.
The co-hosting of the 15th NG, 12th NGD, and 9th NSOG by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao signifies a collaborative effort to promote sportsmanship, inclusion, and the spirit of sports excellence. The event promises to be a celebration of athleticism, diversity, and unity, drawing athletes from across China and fostering a sense of camaraderie among the participating regions. As Hong Kong gears up for this historic sporting event, anticipation and excitement continue to build, setting the stage for a memorable and impactful Games experience for all.
