Visiting Olympians Help Promote Sports in Bay Area

Representatives from various sectors said the visits of Chinese Olympic champions to Hong Kong and Macao highlight the central government’s support for the special administrative regions and will further promote the integrated development of sports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Led by Chinese Olympic Committee President Gao Zhidan, 65 mainland Olympians — including 59 gold medalists from the Paris Games — visited the cities from Thursday to Monday. The visits were part of a long tradition of mainland Olympic medalists touring Hong Kong and Macao after the Summer Games to showcase the Olympic spirit and connect with local communities.

Lau Kam-ling, chairwoman of the Macau General Women’s Association, stressed the significance of the visit to the city, noting that it coincided with the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to Chinese sovereignty.

“This is a clear demonstration of the country’s care and support for the Special Administrative Region. It allows the people of Macao to witness the excellence of national top athletes, share the joy of victory and experience the glory of the country,” she said.

Macau General Manager Ho Iat-seng acknowledged the progress made by Macau’s sports industry in recent years and attributed it to the continued support of the central government.

He expressed optimism about further strengthening the sports sector in the region by leveraging the expertise and resources of national sports talent.

During the visit to Macao, the delegation was full of sports demonstrations, interactive activities with local athletes and youth and friendly table tennis matches.

Ma Long, who won a gold medal in men’s table tennis at the Paris Olympics, took his Olympic gold medal tally to a Chinese record six since 2012. He gave advice to young people on how to overcome challenges.

“When you find a career that you love, you will do everything you can to excel,” he said. “I am grateful for the support that the country provides, and my coaches, family and friends have always helped and encouraged me.”

At each stop, the athletes were greeted with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the residents.

“When we got off the plane, we were very impressed and everyone here was very welcoming,” said Zheng Siwei, who won gold at the Paris Games in the mixed doubles badminton competition. “I feel that people in Hong Kong are passionate about badminton, so I believe they have a bright future.”

Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, vice-president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, praised the athletes’ engagement with the public on social media.

“All the athletes were energetic, friendly and full of enthusiasm. Their interactions with the people of Hong Kong were very warm,” he said.

The visits are expected to make a significant contribution to the integrated development of the Greater Bay Area, where anticipation is growing for the 15th National Games, which will be jointly hosted by Guangdong Province, Hong Kong and Macao in November next year.

Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, Chairman of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, expressed enthusiasm for the National Games, stressing that they can enhance sports exchanges and cooperation in the region.

Dave Ho, executive vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Volunteers Association, reflected on the warmth and hospitality he received from mainland volunteers during the 14th National Games, held in Shaanxi Province in 2021.

He said the visit of mainland Olympic participants to Hong Kong this time provided an opportunity for local volunteers to gain experience, which will come in handy for next year’s National Games.

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