Hong Kong to target hosting large-scale sports events in drive to become mega-event economy
Sports bodies, including horse racing, welcome Chief Executive John Lee’s plans for the industry, venues and athletes in his policy address
Hong Kong will continue to push forward its drive to be a mega-event economy by hosting large-scale international sports competitions at Kai Tak Sports Park and taking advantage of existing venues.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu made the announcement in his policy address on Wednesday, saying the city would develop a “host-city economy in the sports industry” – where it would welcome international sports competitions, including international events that involve Hong Kong athletes – and that more tournaments on home soil would allow athletes to build a strong local following.
Sports sector lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai-kong welcomed the announcement that the city would build new fencing and swimming venues capable of hosting international tournaments but called for existing facilities to be renovated and improved.
“The performance of our fencing athletes is very good. After the last Olympic Games, we have been talking about the construction of a fencing hall, and I can see that [in the policy address] the word ‘construction’ was used,” Fok said.
“However, in the short term, I also hope that the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau can examine whether some existing sports venues, such as the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park Sports Centre, can be renovated or converted into existing venues to solve some obstacles or inconveniences in fencing competitions.”
