Community Sports Club BulletinLeisure and Cultural Services Department
From the Editor
Page 2
Jointly hosted for the first time by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, the 15th National Games (NG) of the People’s Republic of China, together with the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG), were successfully held last year. Hong Kong hosted eight competition events and one mass participation event in the NG, as well as four competition events and one mass participation event in the NGD and NSOG. To welcome this major national sports event, Hong Kong organised a series of countdown activities last year. This issue’s “Featured Report” offers readers a summary and retrospective of those events.
Hong Kong citizens are no strangers to fencing, thanks to Olympic gold medalists Cheung Ka-long and Vivian Kong Man-wai. The sport comprises three disciplines: foil, epee and sabre. Do you know the differences among them? Fencing tactics are ever-changing, are you aware of their intricacies? The Fencing Association of Hong Kong, China, which was founded in 1949 as the Hong Kong Amateur Fencing Association, has long been committed to talent development, event organisation and mass participation to raise the standard of fencing locally. Today, Hong Kong fencers shine on the international stage, an achievement that has not come easily. This issue’s “Portraits of National Sports Association” traces the development journey of the Association.
Gateball remains a relatively niche sport in Hong Kong, and its rules and equipment are unfamiliar to many. Introduced from Japan, gateball emphasises strategy, skill and concentration. Suitable for all ages, it becomes even more engaging when played competitively. In “Sports Hero”, we speak with three dedicated gateball athletes: Chan Chun-ming, Tsang Wai-hung and Tsui Chun-sum, who share their passion and insights into this sport.
This issue’s “New Stars” introduces 16-year-old archer Cheung Jit, who won his first award in a youth competition in 2023. Despite his youth, he has a deep passion for archery and an impressive understanding of its equipment and technical requirements. Having trained in Korea last year, Cheung aspires to represent Hong Kong, China in international competitions. Don’t miss his exclusive interview.
Among the toughest sports events, triathlon undoubtedly ranks high. A standard race consists of a 1.5km swim, 40km bike and 10km run. Beyond physical endurance, it tests athletes’ pacing, stamina, resilience and mental strength. Yet it is precisely this challenge that draws athletes seeking to push beyond their boundaries. Founded in 1984, the Triathlon Association of Hong Kong China promotes the sport through events and athlete development. Today, triathlon is recognised as a Tier A elite sport by the Hong Kong Sports Institute. Discover more about this ultimate test of human limits in this issue’s “Sports Recommendation”.
To foster the sustainable development of major sports events, the Major Sports Events Committee under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau launched the “M” Mark System and Support Packages in 2004, granting the “M” Mark to recognised major sports events held in Hong Kong. In August last year, the Government announced a new round of enhancement measures. An overview is provided in this issue’s “Sports Kaleidoscope”.
The 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG concluded successfully last year, with Hong Kong athletes achieving outstanding results. This issue’s “Latest News on Recreation and Sports” reports on the results. Additionally, Ma Chai Hang Sports Centre in Wong Tai Sin officially opened in October last year, offering enhanced facilities for local residents.
The Community Sports Club Bulletin of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department will transition to an annual publication. We will continue to bring readers engaging and informative sports content. Please note that issue No. 50 is scheduled for release in early 2027.