Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Cities Announced as Hosts for National Games and Paralympic Torch Relay

The National Games of China is the country’s premier domestic multi-sport event, first held in 1959. Modeled after the Olympic Games, it serves as a crucial platform for identifying and developing athletic talent to represent China in international competitions like the Olympics.

The National Games for Persons with Disabilities is a major multi-sport event in China, first held in 1984. Modeled after the Paralympic Games, it was established to promote sports participation, showcase athletic excellence, and foster greater social inclusion for people with disabilities in the country. The event is held regularly, serving as a key platform for athletes to compete and qualify for international competitions.

The Special Olympics is a global movement and sporting event founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver to provide year-round athletic training and competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. It aims to promote inclusion, acceptance, and respect while empowering participants through the joy of sport. Today, it has grown into the world’s largest sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, with millions of athletes competing in various sports across numerous countries.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China with a unique history as a former British colony from 1842 until its handover in 1997. It is renowned as a global financial hub and a vibrant cultural melting pot, blending Eastern and Western influences. The city is famous for its iconic skyline, bustling harbor, and dynamic food scene.

Macau is a Special Administrative Region of China, located on the southern coast. It was a Portuguese colony from the mid-16th century until its handover back to China in 1999. This unique history is reflected in its famous historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which blends Chinese and Portuguese cultural influences in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Guangzhou is a major port city in southern China with a history spanning over 2,200 years. It was a key terminus of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and later became a critical trading post for European merchants. Today, it is a modern metropolis known for its Cantonese culture and the iconic Canton Tower.

Shenzhen is a major modern city in Guangdong Province, China, that transformed from a small fishing village into a global technology hub. Its rapid development began in 1980 when it was designated as China’s first Special Economic Zone, pioneering the country’s economic reforms. Today, it is renowned for its skyscrapers, innovation, and being home to numerous high-tech companies.