Editorial | National Games’ lasting legacy will have an impact that transcends sport
The breakthrough performance of Hong Kong athletes was mirrored by the city’s success as co-host, providing a platform that can be built on
A colourful, energetic and innovative closing ceremony served as a fitting conclusion to the 15th National Games, which have highlighted China’s sporting excellence and showcased the Greater Bay Area. Co-hosted for the first time by Hong Kong, Macau and Guangdong, the country’s biggest multi-sport event is set to leave a lasting legacy, with an impact that transcends sport.
The Games opened on November 9 in Guangzhou and closed last night in Shenzhen, with singing, dancing, fireworks, a light show and even performing robots. Both ceremonies, with participants from Hong Kong, celebrated the culture of southern China.
Even before the opening, the sport had begun. The competition, involving more than 400 events, was fierce. World records were broken and medals shared among almost all the competing teams.
This was a breakthrough Games for Hong Kong. The city won a record haul of 19 medals, including an impressive nine golds, in swimming, cycling, fencing, sailing and rugby sevens.
Ceci Lee Sze-wing became the new queen of cycling, the first Hong Kong athlete to win three golds at the Games. Swimmer Siobhan Haughey also set a record, securing four medals, two gold and two bronze. There were many other outstanding performances, including in the triathlon and youth tennis.
The government must now, as promised, step up investment in sport, ensuring talent is nurtured, athletes well trained and a healthy sports culture established in the community. But the significance of the Games reaches beyond sporting excellence. Hong Kong successfully hosted eight sports in seven venues, accommodating thousands of visiting athletes and officials, while welcoming around 100,000 tourists. It is an experience the city can build on as it seeks to further establish itself as a leading centre for top-level sport events.