Hong Kong, Macau Prepare to Host Paralympic Events, Boost Regional Tourism
HONG KONG – September 1, 2024 - Preparations are well underway for the upcoming Paralympic Games, with Hong Kong and Macau poised to host a series of competitions and initiatives aimed at showcasing athletic achievement and promoting regional tourism. The National General Administration of Sports reports a focus on meticulous preparation and cultural celebration as the Games approach.
Hong Kong will host four competition events: hard-ground ball rolling ball, wheelchair fencing, table tennis (TT11 group), and table tennis for the Special Olympics. Additionally, a wheelchair dance competition will be held as part of mass events. To build excitement, Hong kong will host its inaugural “Hong Kong Paralympic Day” at the Kai Tak Sports and Art Museum on October 5th, offering support for the Hong Kong team athletes. Organizers hope the Games will further stimulate tourism in the Greater Bay Area, with Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao collaborating with five travel agencies to create event-focused tourism packages.
Macau will host badminton competitions, encompassing both physical disability and hearing disability groups. The Paralympic badminton events will include men’s and women’s singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles, totaling 28 gold medals. The Special Olympics badminton competition will be divided into four age groups, also featuring singles and doubles events. Macau is concurrently prioritizing the development of barrier-free environments to enhance accessibility for disabled visitors.
Event organizers have emphasized a commitment to rigorous testing and refinement.Thirteen test competitions have already been completed, with all venue elements, facilities, teams, and processes inspected against competition standards. an additional 22 test competitions are planned to further optimize event organization capabilities.
Alongside the sporting preparations, cultural elements of the Paralympic Games have been progressively released, including the emblem, theme slogans, mascots, colors, core graphics, and recently, the medal (“Heart Warm”), torch (“Bloom”), fire lamp (“Spark Fire Dream”), and fire brazier (“Sheng Sheng Tong Xin”). The release of Paralympic sports icons and the upcoming launch of the Paralympic Games songs are also planned.
Yang Deqiang, director of the Coordination Office of the Hong Kong Special Olympics, stated the Games are intended to promote tourism in the Greater Bay Area. Pan Yongquan, director of the preparatory Office of the Macau Paralympic Games, highlighted Macau’s commitment to accessibility for disabled individuals.
