The transformation of Kai Tak from a bustling neighborhood with a unique airport into a world-class sporting and entertainment venue symbolizes Hong Kong’s progress in scaling new heights, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said at the grand opening of the city’s biggest state-of-the-art sports and cultural park on Saturday.
A century ago, the area was the site of Hong Kong’s first successful test flight of a biplane that ultimately led to the establishment of Kai Tak Airport, Lee recalled at the ceremony formally putting the HK$32-billion ($4.1-billion) Kai Tak Sports Park into service, referring to the former airport that closed in 1998.
Today, that same location has been turned into Kai Tak Sports Park, creating a new hub for sports, culture and the arts, and propelling the city to new and greater heights again, he said.
READ MORE: HK, mainland stars for Kai Tak Sports Park opening gala show
He said the 28-hectare park is the largest sports complex ever built in Hong Kong, and is expected to host a variety of premier events in sports, music and culture, kicking off the “Hong Kong Super March” festival.
The facility features the largest retractable roof in the region, along with a versatile lawn system and other cutting-edge designs, enabling it to accommodate large-scale events under various weather conditions.
“From today, we believe stars from around the globe will consider performing at Kai Tak Sports Park and making it a hallmark of success, as the venue promises an enthusiastic and international fan base,” Lee said.
Prominent athletes and performers from the special administrative region and the Chinese mainland joined a one-and-a-half hour gala that began at 6:30 pm at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium -- the centerpiece of the park. The event was scheduled to be broadcast on four local television channels at 9:30 pm on Saturday.
The performances were organized into four segments to highlight the city’s role in sports and cultural exchanges. Featured performers included Hong Kong martial arts star Donnie Yen Chi-tan and singer Joey Yung Cho-yee, alongside Chinese mainland youth icons, Li Yuchun and Zhang Jie.
The event also showcased top local athletes, such as swimmer Siobhan Bernadette Haughey, badminton duo Tang Chun-man and Tse Ying-suet, and table tennis player Doo Hoi-kem, as well as national team elites like table tennis star Fan Zhendong and artistic gymnastics team leader, Guo Qiqi.
Retired sports stars, including badminton ace Lin Dan and fencer Vivian Kong Man-wai also performed on stage.
More than 33,000 people attended the event, including lawmakers, district councilors, community leaders, SAR government officials, members of the public, grassroots families, and mentees from the Strive and Rise Program -- a government initiative designed to support young people from less-privileged households.
Also in attendance were sponsors, partners and organizations involved in the construction and operation of the sports park.
John Sharkey, chief executive of Kai Tak Sports Park, said with the completion and operation of the park, Hong Kong is set to attract more large-scale international events.
“We plan to leverage the park’s state-of-the-art facilities to support the HKSAR government’s vision of establishing the city as an international sports hub,” he said.
READ MORE: Kai Tak Sports Park opening ceremony tickets sell out in 30 minutes
Li Siyu, who traveled from Beijing for the event, said she was impressed by the size and lighting facilities of Kai Tak Stadium. “It’s very spacious, with a broad view, and the atmosphere here is lively,” she said.
The 28-year-old described the stadium as vibrant, and praised the well-executed performances, highlighting the incredibly smooth transitions. She plans to continue following the sporting and entertainment events at the venue and hopes to return when they’re held.
However, not everyone was as lucky as Li. A woman said she loitered around the stadium before the opening ceremony began. The Hong Kong resident said she was particularly attracted by national team athletes like table tennis players Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha, who were to perform at the event, but she failed to obtain any of the 8,500 tickets that went on sale last week. “I was just trying my luck to see if I could run into some of the sports stars,” she said.
Rita Xiao contributed to the story
Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com
