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Editorial | Torch relay will fuel Hong Kong’s push to make National Games a success
After months of intense preparation, the first-time host is ready to put its best foot forward to make the games a truly unforgettable experience
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The torch relay through the heart of Hong Kong today will signal the start of the 15th National Games after many months of intense preparations. It will be another week before the opening ceremony in Guangzhou. But some events are already under way and Hong Kong, which has high hopes of winning medals, has made a strong start.
Nicholas Halliday won a sailing gold in the men’s ILCA 7 discipline in Shanwei, Guangdong, last week. The victory is a just reward for his dedication to the sport. The 26-year-old’s impressive performance has fuelled excitement for the games and will inspire other Hong Kong athletes. He deserves all the plaudits he is receiving.
Today’s torch relay will see 50 bearers run past some of Hong Kong’s best known sights, ending at the new Kai Tak Stadium. It will showcase the city. Hong Kong is a co-host of the games for the first time, a great honour but also a heavy responsibility. Expectations are high. The city will stage eight sports in seven venues, along with part of the two cross-border races. The games feature more than 400 events in all, across 11 Greater Bay Area cities.
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Hong Kong is fast developing an international reputation for hosting elite sports contests. But it does not have much experience of multi-sport events. This is the biggest test the city has faced. Success will depend on a complex logistical operation running smoothly. Around 4,000 athletes, officials and media representatives from the mainland are being welcomed. An influx of 100,000 tourists is expected. A citywide effort is needed, cutting across many different sectors, from the police to medical staff and 16,000 volunteers, to ensure the games are safe, well organised and enjoyable.
The events, from rugby sevens to basketball, will be attended by thousands of ticket-holders, with many more enjoying the action via free-to-air broadcasts. No effort must be spared to realise Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu’s promise that the games will be an “unforgettable experience”.
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Fans will be able to enjoy watching China’s stars. In some sports, such as table tennis, the competition is even more fierce than in the Olympics, given the country’s prowess and the greater number of its athletes able to participate. Hong Kong hopes home advantage will give it an edge, especially in fencing, track cycling and golf, where medals are anticipated. There is a belief the 600-strong team can build on the success of recent years.
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