Pun Weng Kun, who heads the preparatory office for the upcoming National Games, told reporters yesterday that in order to facilitate spectators from the mainland travelling to Macau to watch the event, the local authorities are coordinating with Guangdong Province on a plan to extend visitors’ entry permits for mainlanders holding tickets for the event.
Pun made the remarks at the sitting-out area outside the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential estate in Fai Chi Kei district yesterday after attending a one-day event organised by the Macao Youth Association.
The 15th National Games, 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games will be jointly hosted by Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau in November and December.
Pun added that the visitor permit extensions will cover tickets held for particular Games’s events plus one day before and after. “The spectators only need to show their tickets when applying for [Macau entry permits] to benefit from this measure,” Pun said.
Guangdong also indicated it may launch a so-called “Smart Border” initiative before the Games, Pun said, adding that technologies like facial recognition will be used, providing a more convenient border experience for spectators and sports enthusiasts visiting Macau, which was expected to encourage longer stays, allowing visitors to experience local performances, cuisine, and other attractions.
Local test competitions for all five events to be hosted in Macau for the Games have been completed, and local test competitions for the two badminton events of the Special Olympic Games in Macau will be held next month, Pun said.
The five events for National Games to be hosted by Macau comprise 3x3 basketball, men’s U18 five-a-side basketball, karate, table tennis, and women’s volleyball in November and December, while Macau will host two badminton competitions (singles and doubles) for the 12th National Disabled Games and the 9th Special Olympic Games.
Pun said that the local test competitions’ overall processes proceeded smoothly, with the mainland representatives providing on-site guidance, who pointed out that some areas still needed to be fine-tuned.
Pun underlined that Macau is not only focused on competition operations but also committed to ensuring a positive experience for all spectators. The local authorities are cooperating with local associations in training volunteers, aiming for them to serve as “greeting ambassadors” during the event, assisting participants and sports enthusiasts alike.
Ticket sales for Macau-hosted events of the Games are planned to be launched next month across the Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Alongside online sales, offline ticketing purchases will be available for Macau residents and sports enthusiasts.
The director of the preparatory office for the upcoming National Games, Pun Weng Kun, speaks to reporters yesterday at the sitting-out area outside the Lok Yeung Fa Yuen residential estate in Fai Chi Kei district. – Photo courtesy of TDM
