Hong Kong joins sister cities in taking up torch for National Games relay events

Hong Kong joined Macau and two Guangdong cities on Sunday in marking the run-up to the National Games with torch relays featuring top athletes, business leaders and community members, as a minister revealed that about a third of local event tickets had been sold.

The relays started in the morning in Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, with acting chief executive Eric Chan Kwok-ki describing the local section as a “city parade” involving 50 torch-bearers passing landmarks and modern sports facilities.

“It is not only a feat but also fully shows the unique edges of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area,” Chan said at the opening ceremony for the city’s relay event.

“The torch’s journey will showcase to the world Hong Kong’s extraordinary charm as an international metropolis and a city of mega-events.”

Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui, meanwhile, said authorities were well prepared for the start of the Games on November 9.

She also expressed optimism regarding local ticket sales despite around 70 per cent of those for locally hosted competitive events remaining unsold.

Co-hosted by Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Macau, the 15th National Games will run until November 21. The Games are considered China’s highest-level multi-sport event.