The 15th National Games of China concluded Friday evening with an elaborate closing ceremony in Shenzhen, marking the successful completion of the first edition jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao. Following the event, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ms. Rowena Law Shuk-pui, expressed profound gratitude to the organizing teams and celebrated the seamless execution and enthusiastic public response across the region.
In a retrospective social media post, Ms. Law reflected on “unforgettable historical moments” from the Games, noting how quickly the competition seemed to pass. She emphasized her deep satisfaction with Hong Kong’s role as a co-host, stating that the operational fluidity, the exceptional performance of the Hong Kong team, and the palpable public fervor exceeded her highest expectations.
Cross-Borders Collaboration Praised by Tourism Chief
The 15th National Games, a quadrennial multi-sport event, represented a significant undertaking in regional cooperation. Ms. Law singled out the dedication of the 15th National Games Coordination Office, acknowledging their relentless two-year effort. This core team collaborated closely with numerous government departments, various collaborative partners, sponsors, and volunteer groups, all operating under the guidance of the General Administration of Sport of China and the Games Organizing Committee.
“I must thank the Coordination Office for their non-stop efforts over the past two years,” Law wrote. “Working alongside countless government departments and partners, they delivered these Games, earning universal acclaim. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed.”
The co-hosting arrangement was heralded by organizers as a testament to the deepening integration within the Greater Bay Area. The smooth running of multiple events across three distinct jurisdictions, involving intricate logistics and cross-border coordination, was a key metric of the Games’ success.
Focus Shifts to Upcoming Para Games
The conclusion of the main event signals a brief pause before attention shifts to the Paralympic Games and Special Olympics (known as the National Para Games and Special Olympics), which immediately follow the National Games.
Ms. Law indicated that the teams will quickly regroup to ensure the same high standards are met for the upcoming events involving athletes with disabilities. “We will take a moment to recover before redoubling our efforts to successfully host the Para Games and Special Olympics,” she affirmed.
Experts suggest the success of the 15th National Games is likely to pave the way for similar large-scale integrated events in the future. The ability of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao to jointly manage a complex international-level sporting competition provides a robust framework for regional governance and shared strategic goals in culture and sport. Furthermore, the significant engagement from the public sphere underscores the viability of high-profile sporting events in fostering community spirit and regional identity.
The high praise for the organizational structure, particularly the role played by the thousands of volunteers and support staff, highlights the invaluable human element in orchestrating such a massive sporting festival. The positive reception assures that the collective planning model will be scrutinized and potentially replicated for future collaboration in the region.
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