Hong Kong Enlists Over 16,000 Volunteers for National Games, Special Olympics

Hong Kong has appointed over 16,000 volunteers to support the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, which the city will co-host with Guangdong and Macau this November. The volunteers, ranging in age from 15 to over 80, will provide services including arrival and departure assistance, hotel reception, spectator and guest services, anti-doping support, and presentation ceremony aid. A pledging ceremony held at Queen Elizabeth Stadium saw nearly 1,800 volunteer representatives take an oath, with Olympic gold medallist Vivian Kong and former athlete Leung Kwok-shing named as volunteer ambassadors. Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law emphasized the volunteers' role as frontline tourism ambassadors and praised their diverse backgrounds and dedication. Tickets for various events, including rugby sevens and basketball, went on sale in late August, with measures in place to combat scalping. Prominent athletes attending the ceremony expressed their readiness and commitment to compete at the Games, highlighting the high level of competition expected.