Tongle Games | News from the establishment of the government: I hope to look at it with a positive and open attitude

Hong Kong defeated Washington in the United States and Guadalajara in Mexico and successfully bid for the international event "Gay Games", which will be held in November next year.

The organizers estimate that the nine-day competition and activities are expected to bring about HK$1 billion in revenue to Hong Kong. The business and sports circles have also repeatedly expressed their support, believing that it will help promote Hong Kong’s international image.

However, there has already been a dark surge before the opening. Several establishment members have urged the Hong Kong government to "separate seats" from the main unit. He Junyao's remarks that he "don't want to make money and dirty money" have even evoked backlash. Equal opportunity does not name him and criticize him. Some people have gone too far."

It is understood that the Hong Kong government has qualitatively defined this event in a non-sports category and has not specifically provided any relevant policies or subsidies. However, it is hoped that the community will treat it with a positive and open attitude, resolve disputes, and refrain from politicizing the event.

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The Tung Lok Games is held every four years in San Francisco in 1982. It has a history of nearly 40 years. The scale is similar to that of the Olympic Games. There is also an art and culture exchange meeting, which can be described as a cultural and sports event.

Although it is a "Gay Games", it is not just for LGBTQ+ sex minorities to participate. Its core aims to promote diversity and inclusiveness, so that it can be enjoyed by all regardless of sexual orientation, gender, ability and identity.

Most of the cities hosted in the past are located in the United States, including San Francisco, New York, Chicago, etc.; the remaining cities include Vancouver, Amsterdam, Sydney and Cologne, etc. The last one was Paris.

This year, Hong Kong won the right to host it, and it is the first in Asia.

The conference will set up 36 sports events, including new events such as dragon boat competitions, dodgeball, e-sports and mountain trail running, as well as arts and cultural activities, celebration concerts, etc.

Although the Tongle Games is named after the "Gay Games", it is not just for LGBTQ+ sex minorities. Its core aims to promote diversity and inclusiveness. Therefore, it can be enjoyed by all regardless of sexual orientation, gender, ability and identity.

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Liu Mingwei is a member of the Hong Kong Tongle Games Advisory Committee. He said earlier that he hopes that the Games will bring growth to Hong Kong's economy and tourism.

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The Fun Games has been supported by the Investment Promotion Agency, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the EOC, and the Information Services Department’s publicity project "Hong Kong Brands". According to the information, the Hong Kong organizers have sought the Hong Kong government before competing for the right to host. Supported, Qi Benyi, the chairman of the organizing committee at the time, stated that if it can be done, the venue will receive initial approval from the government and will actively cooperate.

Supported by Liu Mingwei, Ye Liu Shuyi and Sheng Zhiwen

Liu Mingwei, one of the advisory committees of the Hong Kong Tongle Games and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ocean Park, said in March this year that he hopes that the Games will bring growth to Hong Kong's economy and tourism.

Other members of the advisory committee are also well-known social figures, including former Rugby Association director Ou Ziqin, Dean of Sports College Li Cuisha, and Sun Qiyue, founder of the Sun Foundation.

A member of the guild and a member of the Legislative Council, Suk-yee Ip also expressed support, believing that Hong Kong's international status can be demonstrated, and she also advocated the Hong Kong government to allocate more resources.

The chairman of Lan Kwai Fong Group Sheng Zhiwen and the Hong Kong Hotels Association are also happy to see Hong Kong can participate in this grand event.

The 11th Games will be held from November 11th to 19th next year. It will also be the first to be held in Asia.

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Earlier, Ho Junyao directly denounced in the Legislative Council that hosting a gay sports event was "disrespectful," and even described the proceeds of the event as "dirty money." The incident caused great repercussions in society.

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However, there are dissenting voices in the parliament and the public. In the Legislative Council meeting, many members of the establishment Legislative Council urged the Hong Kong Government not to "fall into the water", otherwise it would make people misunderstand that the Tongle Games is related to the Hong Kong Government, which is the same as "promotion." Same-sex marriage is legal"; He Junyao even denounced the activities as "dishonorable", and even pointed out: "I don't want to make money or dirty money." The

incident continued to ferment and caused great public response. Gay groups severely criticized the remarks involving discrimination and homophobia. The chairman of the EOC, Zhu Minjian, also did not use names to criticize people for overreaction and digressions. He believed that opinions should be expressed in peaceful terms instead of labelled or stigmatized adjectives.

Xu Yingwei said earlier that the Hong Kong Association and Olympic Committee and the various sports associations will not send members to participate in the Fun Games.

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Home Affairs Bureau: Process venue reservations according to procedures

As for government participation of external concern, the Secretary for Home Affairs Xu Yingwei emphasized at the same meeting that the Tung Lok Games is not a sporting event recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the Asian Olympic Council or any International Sports Federation. Therefore, the Hong Kong Sports Association of China and the Olympic Games Neither the committee nor the national sports associations will send members to participate.

Regarding venues, it will act in accordance with established procedures. The organizer can reserve sports facilities during non-peak and peak hours according to a designated timetable. The government is willing to provide appropriate assistance.

The Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Zeng Guowei, responded that same-sex marriage is currently a very controversial issue. The Hong Kong government will not make any policy changes without a large consensus in society.

Some government officials revealed that because the Tongle Games is a non-governmental preparation and is not an internationally recognized sporting event, the government did not include it in the scope of sports. Therefore, it did not provide any sports policy or financial support. "It is not a pure sports. There are cultures and arts, and they are cross-sector activities.” The official also pointed out that the Fun Games aims to promote social integration and hope that the public will view them from an open and positive perspective. Do not over-politicize them. If Hong Kong is promoted As far as the brand is concerned, it is also an international event.

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