Published on
August 2, 2025 |
Hong Kong is getting ready for the 100-day countdown to the National Games. This event will showcase the city’s commitment to sports and tourism. It will also strengthen connections with its neighboring co-hosts, Macau and Guangdong. The countdown ceremony will take place on Saturday, marking an important step in the city’s preparations for this exciting sporting event. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, along with important government officials, will lead the event. This shows Hong Kong’s eagerness to host the National Games in a spirit of cooperation.
Countdown Ceremony and Symbolic Events
The celebration will take place at the Velodrome, where Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu will be joined by sports and tourism minister Rosanna Law Shuk-pui and Yeung Tak-keung, the head of the National Games Coordination Office in Hong Kong. The event is seen as part of a coordinated effort between Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong to not only mark the upcoming Games but also to celebrate the spirit of unity and collaboration across the Greater Bay Area.
In addition to the countdown ceremony, the government will highlight its collective achievements during the “Million Kilometre Challenge.” This initiative has seen Hongkongers participating in various sports activities like biking, running, and walking. Already, the community has collectively accumulated 999,900 kilometers, with Law and Yeung expected to complete the final 100 kilometers during the ceremony. This challenge is symbolic of the dedication and community spirit that the National Games aim to foster among local residents.
Expanding the National Games’ Impact Across the Region
Following the countdown event, Lee will head to Shenzhen to participate in an evening celebration, which will be one of several events across the mainland to mark the milestone. The Greater Bay Area, which includes Hong Kong, Macau, and Guangdong, is a major focus for these celebrations, as the region strives to deepen its coordination and enhance mutual development through sport.
On Sunday, Law and Yeung will continue their participation in the countdown by attending a fitness day at Go Park Sai Sha, where a carnival will be hosted by the Hong Kong Guangdong Youth Federation. The event is designed to serve as a bridge between Hong Kong, Guangdong, and Macau, with sports and tourism professionals working to strengthen the region’s collaborative efforts. This celebration not only promotes physical activity but also strengthens ties between the youth of the three regions.
Macau and Guangdong Join the Celebration
The momentum of the countdown has also been felt across Hong Kong’s neighboring regions, with Macau and Guangdong hosting their own events. In Macau, a symbolic event was held at the famous Ruins of St. Paul’s, where participants formed a giant “100” symbol. This visual representation of unity underlines the spirit of cooperation and mutual support that has defined the preparations for the National Games. Similarly, in Guangzhou, the city took part in several days of drone demonstrations to mark the occasion and further build excitement for the upcoming Games.
These coordinated celebrations are more than just symbolic; they represent a unified effort to present the Greater Bay Area as a hub for sports, tourism, and cultural exchanges. The region’s collective engagement not only enhances the National Games’ significance but also showcases the growing influence of sports in fostering cross-border collaboration.
Hong Kong’s Preparation for Major Sporting Events
The countdown event also provided a platform for Hong Kong’s organizers to highlight the city’s progress in hosting the National Games. A week earlier, at a separate event in Beijing, Chan Kwok-ki, the vice-president of the organizing committee and Hong Kong’s chief secretary for administration, discussed the government’s efforts to ensure that the Games are a success. Chan described the National Games as a “major priority” for the Hong Kong government, with various departments working together to finalize the preparations.
These efforts, according to Chan, will serve as a foundation for Hong Kong to host more mega sports events in the future. By learning from the experience of hosting such a large-scale event, Hong Kong aims to strengthen its position as a global sports hub, with plans to further boost the tourism sector and improve infrastructure for future sporting competitions.
The National Games and Tourism
The National Games represent a major opportunity for Hong Kong to boost its tourism sector, particularly by attracting international visitors who are drawn to the region’s exciting sports offerings. The Games will not only celebrate local sports culture but will also bring significant international attention to the city. With tourism being a key economic driver for Hong Kong, the National Games are expected to create a ripple effect that will benefit the city’s hospitality industry, transportation services, and retail sectors.
Increased tourism flows will also benefit neighboring regions like Macau and Guangdong, as visitors to Hong Kong often explore the wider Greater Bay Area. This interconnectedness enhances the region’s appeal as a tourist destination, where visitors can experience a combination of modern sporting events, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional landscapes.
A Future of Sporting Collaboration
As the countdown to the National Games continues, Hong Kong, along with its co-hosts Macau and Guangdong, is ready to show the benefits of working together through sports. The celebrations will include community participation and large events, emphasizing the region’s focus on unity and the development of sports culture.
The National Games will play an important part in Hong Kong’s future as a global sports destination. With careful planning and teamwork across the Greater Bay Area, Hong Kong will be firmly established as a sports hub, helping the city grow as a top travel and tourism spot.
