Editorial | Hong Kong should seize National Games momentum to build sporting future
The signing of an agreement between the three co-hosts and the General Administration of Sport of China provides a framework for future development
Hong Kong’s leader, John Lee Ka-chiu, said the deal carried forward the spirit of unity fostered by the games and marked a “new stage” of cooperation between the co-hosts. The agreement is comprehensive. It commits the three regions to strengthening sports integration and collaboration in areas such as the use of resources, science, research and exchanges.
Sports governance, including the development of sports systems and dispute resolution, is another feature of the deal, fitting in with Beijing’s aims and those of Hong Kong in these fields.
It is good to see that the drive is not limited to elite sports, which fuelled so much excitement during the games. There is also an intention to develop “sport for all”, cultivating a sporting culture.
While the games are still fresh in the memory, work must begin to flesh out the broad terms of the agreement and to make progress. There is much to be done. Lee said Hong Kong would capitalise on the advantages of the “one country, two systems” concept. The city’s international links and legal expertise will be beneficial to the enterprise, but navigating the different systems of the three co-hosts and ensuring efficient cross-border connectivity will be a challenge.