Advertisement

Opinion | Asian Games: Hong Kong’s story of triumph gives off all the right vibes

  • Our athletes haven’t just made history, they are telling the stories Hong Kong needs to hear about overcoming the odds and showing hard work pays off
  • John Lee’s promise of celebrations is good but there must also be real support for sports in the city

Reading Time:3 minutes
Why you can trust SCMP
Supporters watch a broadcast of Hong Kong’s semi-final football match against Japan in the Asian Games, at Olympian City in Kowloon on October 4. Photo: Edmond So
I’m glad Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu has declared the “Night Vibes Hong Kong” campaign a success even though it isn’t technically over until early next year. The campaign began with the Mid-Autumn Festival launch, continues through Christmas and wraps up with the Lunar New Year.
Advertisement
But enough of the technicalities. Lee is a master of setting himself up for success. It’s one more tick to add to his key performance indicator (KPI) scorecard, ahead of his policy address later this month.
With “Night Vibes” crossed off his list, he can devote more attention to organising celebrations after the extraordinary performance of Hong Kong’s athletes at the Asian Games – something he has vowed to do, but for which we need to hold him accountable.
Our athletes haven’t just made history; they are giving this city all the right vibes. Overcoming the odds, displaying resilience and showing that hard work pays off – these are exactly what the city’s residents need to hear. There are endless good Hong Kong stories to tell about our athletes.
And Hong Kong’s record-breaking medal haul is something to be excited about. I really wish there was more excitement and noise about the Games.
Advertisement

Our team had such a run of success, it’s almost unbelievable. We were getting medals and seeing our flag raised on the podium every day in the first half of the Games. Where do we even begin to celebrate and honour what our athletes have done?

Advertisement