On May 5, 2023, Hong Kong saw its Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Kevin Yeung, spearhead various public appearances, showcasing the government’s commitment to sports and cultural promotion. The highlight of the day was the second Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Half Marathon, which attracted around 8,000 participants including approximately 1,600 overseas runners. Yeung started the race and later participated in the two-kilometer Honorary Cup, describing the experience as exhilarating.
After completing the short run, Yeung reflected, "It's been quite some time since I've run, and I was surprised by the beautiful sunrise along the route, describing it as 'half sport, half tourism.'" His sentiments echoed the purpose of the event, which aims to intertwine athleticism with Hong Kong's rich scenic beauty to stimulate tourism. Yeung expressed optimism about hosting more similar events, believing they could significantly impact the local economy.
The half marathon, which has elevated its status to be recognized as a Gold Label Road Race by World Athletics, started at 7:15 AM. Notable runners included Japan’s renowned civilian runner Yuyuki Murainai, with athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia also participating and claiming the top prizes. The organizers took feedback from the previous year’s marathon seriously, enhancing facilities with 70 mobile toilets and several water stations, which contributed to the event's overall success.
Yeung's appearance at the marathon was just part of his packed schedule. Following this, he attended the opening reception of the "National Wind and Rhythm" event, supported by the Bauhinia Cultural Group. He also inspected testing matches at the Kai Tak Sports Park, which are expected to attract over 10,000 attendees for the upcoming University Rugby Sevens. By evening, Yeung was at Victoria Park as the guest of honor for the Hong Kong Open Tennis Championships 2025.
While addressing attendees at these various events, Yeung noted the importance of community involvement and the potential for staging more international sports competitions. He emphasized the positive energy radiated by Hong Kong’s citizens at these gatherings. No matter the setting, he remained dedicated to supporting and promoting the local culture and its athletes, insisting on the need for continuous efforts to improve Hong Kong's tourism and sporting frameworks.
Chief Secretary Lin Dingguo also participated actively throughout the day. He mentioned, "I'm very thankful to my university classmate, MP Kan Wai-ming, for inviting me to participate today. It showcases the positive energy of Hong Kong people," highlighting the camaraderie and community spirit nourished through such public events.
The day was not without challenges; injuries were reported among some participants, with 19 runners stating they experienced injuries or discomfort, three of whom required hospitalization. Nevertheless, the spirit of sportsmanship prevailed as runners expressed their satisfaction with the event’s organization and support systems put in place.
Yeung's commitment does not stop here. He recently discussed other infrastructural developments, like the Kai Tak Sports Park, which is expected to change the game for large venue use in Hong Kong, allowing for both sports and entertainment events to take place seamlessly. He indicated the government’s fundamental aim is to diversify event placements across venues to optimize attendee experiences.
With growing anticipation for the upcoming venues and their distinct purposes, Yeung envisions the future of cultural, sports, and tourism events flourishing. His involvement at these various events reveals his intention to leverage Hong Kong’s uniqueness and capabilities to host substantial international sports occasions.
Speaking on the efforts made during the marathon and other initiatives, Yeung left participants with the hope of more spectacular events to come, stating, "We will strive for new heights for the welfare of the community!" His tone illustrated not just hopes for the future but also confidence and dedication to enhancing the quality of life through sports and tourism.
During a day filled with both running and cultural activities, the experiences shared by Kevin Yeung and other attendees highlighted the vibrancy and resilience of Hong Kong’s community. With momentum like this, the outlook for future events appears bright. Participants were left feeling inspired to keep running, engaging, and contributing to the local spirit, showcasing the combination of athleticism and enthusiasm for their hometown.