'HK is ready to host the National Games'
Hong Kong is set to co-host the National Games with Guangdong and Macau for the first time in November.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law said Hong Kong is confident of its readiness to co-host the upcoming National Games, stating that all test events are now complete.
For the first time, Hong Kong will co-host the Games in November alongside Guangdong and Macau, overseeing eight sports, including fencing and basketball.
Speaking to RTHK to mark the third year of Chief Executive John Lee's administration, Law said the trials helped determine standards and identify improvements needed to ensure the events' success this year.
'The goal of our test events was to identify areas for adjustments," she said.
"For example, in the recent fencing event, everyone felt the venue was excellent, providing an atmosphere that had never been experienced in Hong Kong before.
'However, we noted that the changing rooms and warm-up areas may need to be larger, and the air-conditioning settings should be adjusted to ensure that athletes compete comfortably, as their uniforms are quite heavy.
"But we need to make adjustments to ensure it won't be too cold for the audience as well.
"Many different events will have similar considerations.'
Law expects a turnout of around 100,000 tourists and spectators.
She said authorities are committed to delivering events "on schedule, smoothly, safely, fairly and justly".
Law added: 'This involves many aspects, including the venue, detailed arrangements, security and technology applications.
"On the other hand, we hope to attract as many local citizens as possible to participate fully since Hong Kong is one of the hosts.
'We also want to encourage more people from the Greater Bay Area and other provinces in the mainland to come to Hong Kong to watch the events, while also experiencing the latest developments in the city.
"Of course, it's also very important that our Hong Kong representative teams achieve good results.'
Law emphasised the Games' tourism potential, citing opportunities to offer travel packages or multi-stop itineraries to attract visitors to all three host regions.
She also aims to introduce cultural and artistic experiences beyond sports to visitors in Hong Kong.
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