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Hong Kong society
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Opinion
Mike Rowse

Sporting passion of Hongkongers is an inspiration

The enthusiasm of volunteers at the National Games, the energy of the city’s football fans and the dedication of unpaid coaches at the club level are truly impressive

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Fans erupt in the second half of Hong Kong men’s handball match against Beijing at the National Games at Kai Tak Arena on November 10. Photo: Eugene Lee
Mike Rowse is an independent commentator.

The recent flurry of sporting events has thrown up a number of aspects which I found particularly inspiring. With much of the media focus on China’s 15th National Games naturally on the sporting contests, less attention was paid to the fact that the event could only have been successfully organised with the support of local volunteers.

The Agency for Volunteer Service appealed for help in marshalling competitors and spectators, and tens of thousands of ordinary Hongkongers applied. The target was to engage 10,000. The applicants were vetted and 16,000 were taken on.

They were trained, given uniforms and carried out important duties such as handling injuries, crowd management, guest reception, spectator services and logistical support. Without their unpaid efforts, Hong Kong’s first time as co-host could not have gone as smoothly.

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