Over 400 local athletes will compete in the 15th National Games, while more than 180 local athletes will compete in the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said in a speech during a flag presentation ceremony on Saturday.
Sam made the remarks at a flag presentation ceremony for the Macau delegation for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games at Mong-Ha Sports Centre.
Sam also presented the flag of the Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) to the local delegation and oversaw the swearing-in of volunteers.
Sam noted that the Games are not only a major event for athletes, but also a celebration of the volunteers assisting in the event, adding that, based on the close collaboration between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau, and the joint efforts of the MSAR government and all sectors of civil society, Macau will strive to host a Games characterised by “simplicity, safety, and brilliance”, aiming to deliver a successful event, as well as the smooth execution of all tasks in the local Competition Zone.
For the first time, the Games will be hosted by more than one place – Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Pun Weng Kun, who heads the preparatory office for the National Games, told reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony that the target of recruiting 3,500 volunteers has been met, with support from local universities and multiple community organisations.
Pun noted that among the eight local border checkpoints, four will be designated for use by competitors and technical representatives, while the remaining four will serve tourists and residents, adding that the first batch of non-local athletes is slated to arrive on November 3, while the first competition hosted by Macau, karate, will start on November 6.
Pun did not disclose which four local border checkpoints will be designated for the Games’ participants.
Besides, tickets for karate, women’s volleyball, and table tennis are already on sale, with key sessions already sold out, while tickets for five-a-side basketball and three-a-side basketball expected to go on sale in the middle of this month, the specific time of which will be announced in advance once confirmed, Pun said.
Considering the overlapping of the Games and the 72nd Macau Grand Prix, which will be held from November 13 to 16, Pun noted that his office, through careful zoning of event areas and advance coordination, anticipates that significant pressure on vehicular traffic will not occur, adding that multiple contingency plans have also been formulated to address any unforeseen situations.
Pun also said that most events will be held in Cotai, and only karate and five-a-side basketball will take place on the Macau peninsula. Besides, Pun stressed, the karate event will conclude before the Macau Grand Prix starts, and the basketball venue is located away from the Grand Prix Guia Circuit, which could be expected to minimise potential traffic problems.
Pun also said that he expected the Games to leverage sports to boost the local economy and various industries.
Macau Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai (right, front) and Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture Wallis O Lam pose during a flag presentation ceremony for the over 580-athlete-strong Macau delegation for the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities, and the 9th National Special Olympic Games at Mong-Ha Sports Centre on Saturday. – Photo: Ida Cheong
