The Hong Kong Volunteer Programme of the 15th National Games started today with the aim of recruiting 10,000 citizens to participate in voluntary work for the events of the 15th National Games, the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) to be held in Hong Kong.

Speaking at the programme’s launch ceremony today, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said that Hong Kong, being a co-host of next year’s National Games, NGD and NSOG, is not only recognition of the city’s sports development by the country, but also an opportunity for the whole community to participate in and personally support these national events, contributing to the country’s sports development.

He called on the public, companies and organisations to sign up for the programme to implement the spirit of “Let’s volunteer for the National Games”.

From now until September 20, people aged 18 or above who hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card and are able to speak Cantonese and Putonghuacan can apply for the volunteer programme.

Applicants who have passed the interviews and completed the training courses will be appointed as volunteers to provide services during the test events and games to be held in Hong Kong, including reception services upon arrival and departure, audience services, guest reception, crowd control, transport and logistics, and catering management.

The 15th National Games will be held from November 9 to 21 next year. Hong Kong will organise eight competition events, namely Basketball (men U22), Cycling Track, Fencing, Golf, Handball (men), Rugby Sevens, Triathlon and Beach Volleyball, as well as one mass participation event, Bowling.

The 12th NGD and 9th NSOG will be held from December 8 to 15 next year, during which Hong Kong will organise four competition events, namely the NGD events of Boccia, Wheelchair Fencing and Para Table Tennis (TT11), and an NSOG Table Tennis event. The city will also hold Para Dance Sport, which is a mass participation event.