National Organizing Committee of 15th National Games sets up

On April 11, 2024, the founding meeting of the National Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games of the People’s Republic of China was held in Guangzhou, Guangdong.

(Photo provided to GDToday)

Gao Zhidan, director of the General Administration of Sport of China, said that the 15th National Games is the first time that a national sports event will be held in Hong Kong and Macao, and it is of great significance for the three places to jointly host the 15th National Games. “We should cherish the precious opportunity of co-hosting competitions and support each other,” he said.

Gao emphasized that a liaison mechanism should be established between the organizing committee and relevant national ministries, between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, between various competition areas in Guangdong, and between various departments and offices of the organizing committee.

Zhou Ji, deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Work Office of the CPC Central Committee and director in charge of routine work at the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council , put forward four expectations for the 15th National Games, anticipating that the Games  will become a new benchmark for Hong Kong and Macao sports, a new engine to promote the economic development of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, a new opportunity for Hong Kong and Macao to integrate into the overall development of the country, and a grand gathering of youth.

Wang Weizhong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Guangdong Provincial Committee and Governor of the People's Government of Guangdong Province, said that the establishment of the Organizing Committee of the 15th National Games marks a new stage in the preparations. Next, Guangdong will coordinate with Hong Kong and Macao, to ensure the successful organization of competitions, venue maintenance and renovation, and information management. 

“We will carry out cultural construction, carefully plan the opening and closing ceremonies, provide comprehensive service guarantees, and strive to create a wonderful sports event that highlights the characteristics of the Greater Bay Area and the Lingnan style,” he said.

Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), said that the Hong Kong SAR government established the Hong Kong Competition Area Preparatory Committee in May last year. 

He introduced that the Hong Kong SAR Government will make full use of the existing venues and the soon-to-be-completed Kai Tak Sports Park to host the competition. Among them, the triathlon will be held in Victoria Harbor and the Central Waterfront, Hong Kong's landmarks, to showcase the beautiful scenery of Hong Kong.

Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), said that the competition events hosted by Macao are very popular among residents, and Macao also has the necessary conditions to host the competitions. The Macao Division of the Organizing Committee has been established in 2022 and is currently undertaking preparatory work for various facilities, competitions, receptions, publicity and transportation, and will make full use of existing venue facilities to optimize and update equipment. 

He mentioned that Macao plans to hold 2 to 3 test matches this year to prepare for the National Games in the best condition. At the same time, the government is extensively mobilizing forces from all walks of life to inspire residents to actively participate in volunteer services and show a diverse Macao.