Hong Kong is investing up to HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) more in its National Games team as the city goes all out to optimise every aspect and ensure the smooth running of eight locally hosted events, according to the sports commissioner.
Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi Kin-pan said on Saturday that the Hong Kong venues designated for the National Games had completed test runs and were ready, with the countdown to the 15th edition of the Games in November under way.
“Work in the coming three months will focus on optimising every aspect to ensure the events will be held smoothly,” he added, referring to minor issues such as how to ensure athletes had the most convenient access back to locker rooms after finishing their warm-ups.
The Games, which run from November 9 to 21, will feature more than 400 events across 34 sports staged in the Greater Bay Area, which comprises Hong Kong, Macau and nine Guangdong province cities.
Hong Kong will host eight sports – fencing, men’s under-22 basketball, track cycling, golf, men’s handball, rugby sevens, triathlon and beach volleyball.
Choi also revealed at the forum that the government would allocate HK$20 million to HK$30 million to support athletes’ expenses during the Games, such as logistics and accommodation. This is in addition to the HK$15 million already budgeted for their preparation, including training.
