Sports Kaleidoscope

Visit of the Mainland Olympians Delegation
After the Games, zeal remains high - continuation of the Olympic spirit

The Olympic Games, which are held every four years, was held successfully in August 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  Elite athletes from all over the world gathered there, did what they were best at and went all out for the medals. You probably remember the games as if they were held yesterday. Shortly after the end of the Olympics Games, the Mainland Olympians Delegation visited Hong Kong on 27-29 August 2016 under the leadership of the State General Administration of Sports. In the three-day visit the Olympians shared their happiness and glory with Hong Kong citizens.

 

 

The visit was jointly organised by the Home Affairs Bureau and the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). It was co-organised by the Chinese Olympic Committee.

Members of the delegation included athletes and coaches from the women's volleyball, table tennis, badminton, diving, swimming and athletics teams. They took part in various goodwill visits and demonstrations in Hong Kong. In the morning of 28 August, the delegation was divided into three groups. One group went to the Ma On Shan Sports Centre to have an exchange with Hong Kong Youth Uniformed Groups. One group demonstrated table tennis and badminton at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. The third group demonstrated diving in the Victoria Park Swimming Pool. The two performances attracted more than 4,700 citizens and guests. Citizens who did not buy tickets could watch the two demonstrations live on television and enjoyed watching the superb techniques of the athletes.

 

The highlight of the visit was "A Date with Mainland Olympians", which was held at Queen Elizabeth Stadium in the afternoon of 28 August. Citizens were able to watch the mainland gold medallists at close quarters. The event featured a variety of spectacular matches, including a tug of war between five weightlifting athletes and 50 children, and table tennis played on a table whose two halves were wide apart. Combining sports and entertainment, they added to the vibrancy of the occasion. The mainland gold medallists visited the Hong Kong Sports Institute in the morning of 29 August to share their experience with young Hong Kong athletes. Thus their visit to Hong Kong ended on a perfect note.

Mr. Karl C. Kwok, MH, the vice-president of SF&OC thinks that the demonstrations of mainland gold medallists enable Hong Kong citizens to see them from close range. This can promote sport for all and encourage citizens to take part in sport activities.