Members of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Delegation parade into the stadium during the opening ceremony for China's 14th National Games in Xi'an, Shaanxi province, Sept 15, 2021. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau announced on Tuesday the establishment of a National Games Coordination Office to comprehensively promote the planning and execution of the 15th National Games to be co-hosted by Guangdong province and the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in 2025.

The office will also be responsible for the holding of the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the ninth National Special Olympic Games to be held after the National Games. It’s led by three high-ranking officials, and will establish close cooperation with the relevant Guangdong and Macao departments.

It will be the first time for Hong Kong to co-host the National Games

The HKSAR government will also set up a steering committee in the last quarter of this year, to be headed by the permanent secretary for culture, sports and tourism. The committee will promote work in various areas, including competitions, immigration, security, qualification certification arrangements, media, publicity and community relations, medical services, transportation, and transportation arrangements.

ALSO READ: HKSAR sets up organizing body for 15th National Games

The HKSAR Organizing Committee for the 15th National Games was created in May this year, with Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu as sponsor, Chief Secretary for Administration Eric Chan Kwok-ki as chairman, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung as secretary. The committee is tasked with policy guidance and supervision of preparations for events to be held in Hong Kong.

The National Games, held once every four years, is the nation’s highest level, and the largest multi-sports event. The State Council said in August 2021 the 15th National Games would be co-hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in 2025. It will be the first time for Hong Kong to co-host the National Games.

The three sides will also co-host the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG, to be held about one month after the 15th National Games.