The flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Delegation to the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People's Republic of China (NTGEM) was held at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre today.

Jointly organised by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China and the General Administration of Sport of China, and undertaken by the People's Government of Hainan Province, the games will be held from November 22 to 30 in Sanya, Hainan.

The Hong Kong SAR will send a total of 86 athletes to participate in three competition events - shuttlecock, dragon boat, and folk martial arts as well as in the dragon dance sport demonstration event.

They will also present a lion dance performance during the opening ceremony, the Leisure & Cultural Services Department said.

Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism and Delegation Head Kevin Yeung officiated at the ceremony this afternoon, where he presented the Hong Kong SAR regional flag to the President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Delegation Timothy Fok.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yeung said it is the first time that the Hong Kong SAR Delegation will participate in the NTGEM by invitation.

He expressed hope that the Hong Kong athletes would seize this rare opportunity to share skills with other athletes, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the nation's unique culture, broadening their horizons, and bringing their experiences back to Hong Kong.

Mr Yeung added that he is also looking forward to gaining new insights on how to integrate culture, sports, and tourism through participation in this event.

The department noted that the NTGEM, held every four years, was first held in 1953. It is positioned as a mass participation sporting event, with participants who are mainly amateur athletes.

To encourage active involvement from people in different regions and ethnic groups, there will be first, second and third prizes in the competitions instead of gold, silver and bronze medals.

The NTGEM this year comprises 18 competition events and three categories of demonstration events, along with cultural activities such as opening and closing ceremonies and an ethnic gala, the department added.