A wave of celebrations — including drone performances and star-studded concerts — are sweeping across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) this weekend, marking the start of the 100-day countdown to the historic 15th National Games, which is set to open on Nov 9.
The Games will be the first multi-sport event to be co-hosted by a Chinese mainland province and the two special administrative regions, showcasing a major milestone in regional collaboration.
To celebrate this milestone, a series of “100”-themed events are set to take place across the three regions, starting today.
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On Saturday, Shenzhen kicks off its 100-day countdown ceremony for the 15th National Games.
The event will include an exhibition, the official countdown launch, and a unity concert featuring well-known singers from all three regions.
In Hong Kong, a public countdown ceremony is to be held at the Hong Kong Velodrome on Saturday from 2 to 5 pm. Those attending can enjoy interactive sports trials, creative workshops, and photo opportunities with the Games’ mascots, “Xi Yangyang” and “Le Rongrong”.
Macao is hosting celebrations at multiple iconic locations today. At the Ruins of St. Paul’s, participants will form a giant “100” symbol to represent unity, while Senado Square will hold a grand lighting ceremony in anticipation of the Games. The city’s official franchised retail store began trial operations on Thursday, debuting its first batch of merchandise.
Since Thursday, Guangzhou has dazzled spectators with nightly drone performances along the iconic Zhujiang River waterfront, illuminating the sky with displays of the Games’ slogans, emblems, mascots, and venues.
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The Games will feature 401 elite events across 34 sports, with Guangdong hosting the majority (350 events). The opening and closing ceremonies will be held in Guangzhou and Shenzhen on Nov 9 and 21, respectively.
Two groundbreaking sports events — the Shenzhen-Hong Kong marathon, and the Zhuhai-Macao-Hong Kong road cycling race — will physically link the three regions, highlighting the Greater Bay Area’s seamless integration.
Hong Kong, a first-time host, will stage 37 elite events in eight sports, including track cycling, golf, fencing, and rugby sevens, while a bowling event will be open to mass participation.
Contact the writer at lilei@chinadailyhk.com
