The Vitality Run of the 6th Hong Kong Games (HKG) and a carnival were held successfully alongside the Shing Mun River in Sha Tin this morning (January 8), attracting more than 5 500 citizens taking part in the events. The Games is one of the highlight activities for the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. As its launch activity, the Vitality Run aimed to encourage members of the public to exercise more and participate in the 6th HKG.

     The Vitality Run, which emphasised challenging oneself rather than racing for awards, was held again with the quota increased following the overwhelming response received in the last HKG, so that more members of the public could participate in it. Participants could enjoy the fun of running while at the same time show support for district athletes who have been diligently preparing for the 6th HKG competitions.

     The two categories, namely a 3-kilometre run and a 10-kilometre run, both started at Yuen Wo Road near Sha Tin Sports Ground. Each participant received a souvenir T-shirt and a gift pack, while those who completed the run within the time limit received a certificate and a souvenir medal. To compete for the individual Most Creative Costume and Overall Best Team Costume prizes, many participants dressed up in creative costumes and boosted the joyful atmosphere at the sports ground.
      
     Members of the public also joined the event by cheering for the runners at Sha Tin Sports Ground, alongside Yuen Wo Road and at the Shing Mun River this morning. To enhance the atmosphere, activities including game booths, a family area, a photo corner and stage shows by various parties, singers and a group were held at Sha Tin Sports Ground and Yuen Wo Playground. Runners and cheering crowds could share the fun of sports and embrace the city's upcoming major sports event, the 6th HKG.

     The HKG is a territory-wide major multi-sports event held biennially with the 18 District Councils (DCs) as the participating units. The 6th HKG will be held from April 23 to May 28 this year, covering eight sports, namely athletics, badminton, basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball.
      
     A range of community involvement activities will also be organised for participation by the general public. The upcoming activities include the Dynamic Moments Photo Contest, the 18 Districts' Pledging cum Carnival, the Cheering Team Competition for the 18 Districts, voting for My Favourite Sporty District and guessing the Overall Champion of the 6th HKG, as well as the grand Opening and Closing cum Prize Presentation Ceremony for the 6th HKG.
      
     The Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr Lau Kong-wah; the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Raymond Fan; Member of the Legislative Council Mr Lau Kwok-fan; the Chairman of the Community Sports Committee, Mr Yip Wing-shing; the Chairman of the 6th HKG Organising Committee, Mr William Tong; the Head of Charities (Grant Making - Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture) of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Rhoda Chan; and the Chairman of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, Mr Kwan Kee, attended the event today.
      
     The 6th HKG is organised by the Sports Commission and co-ordinated by the Community Sports Committee along with the 18 DCs; the Leisure and Cultural Services Department; the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; and relevant National Sports Associations as co-organisers. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is recognised as the principal contributor of the Games.
      
     Details about the 6th HKG and other community involvement activities are available at the HKG dedicated website (www.hongkonggames.hk).

Ends/Sunday, January 8, 2017
Issued at HKT 13:36

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