The National Games have been a nice distraction, bringing a reprieve from the daily grind and demands of life. Watching competitive sports and sharing in the anticipation, and the highs and the lows, temporarily transports us to another realm.
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Whether we’re on the edge of our seats in the stands or in the comfort of our homes, we experience something together. There is a sense of community and a moment shared.
Perhaps that is why competitive and spectator sports have been part of human existence for so long. They offer a timeless experience and are a testament to our never-ending pursuit of progress and excellence. Sports competitions highlight the incredible human capacity to push ourselves.
The Hong Kong government has been under tremendous pressure to succeed in co-hosting the National Games, and it deserves credit for having done so. Could it have done better in showcasing the unique role the city plays in connecting the nation to the world in the same way that it has shown how integrated we are with the mainland and our participation in the development of the Greater Bay Area? Absolutely.
It could have made the event more accessible to a wider and more diverse audience, one of the aspects that makes us a world-class city. That was a missed opportunity. While there is always room for improvement in sports – just as there is in everyday life – the government has proven itself capable.
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Of course, the biggest applause goes to our world-class athletes. It’s not just the victories and medals, although they are spectacular and well-deserved. It’s also the teamwork and incredible inner strength and mental toughness that were on display.
Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long wins bronze at China’s National Games
Hong Kong’s Cheung Ka-long wins bronze at China’s National Games