HKSAR Delegation Flag Presented for Upcoming National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities in Hainan

SCST officiates at flag presentation ceremony for HKSAR Delegation to 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of People's Republic of China

The flag presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Delegation to the 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of the People's Republic of China (NTGEM) was held at Tsuen Wan Sports Centre this afternoon (November 12).

The Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Head of the Delegation, Mr Kevin Yeung, officiated at the ceremony and presented the HKSAR regional flag to the President of the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China and the Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Mr Timothy Fok.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Yeung said it is the first time that the HKSAR Delegation will participate in the NTGEM under an invitation from the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China and the General Administration of Sport of China. He expressed hope that the Hong Kong athletes would seize this rare opportunity to share skills with other athletes, thereby helping them gain a deeper understanding of the nation's unique culture, broaden their horizons, and bring their experiences back to Hong Kong.

He is also looking forward to gaining new insights on how to integrate culture, sports, and tourism through participation in this event.

Jointly organised by the National Ethnic Affairs Commission of the People's Republic of China and the General Administration of Sport of China, and undertaken by the People's Government of Hainan Province, the 12th NTGEM will be held from November 22 to 30 in Sanya, Hainan. The HKSAR will send a total of 86 athletes to participate in three competition events, namely shuttlecock, dragon boat, and folk martial arts as well as in the demonstration event of dragon dance sport. They will also present a lion dance performance during the opening ceremony.

The NTGEM, held every four years, was first held in 1953. Positioned as a mass participation sporting event, participants in the NTGEM are mainly amateur athletes. To encourage active involvement from people in different regions and ethnic groups, there will be first, second and third prizes in the competitions instead of gold, silver and bronze medals. The NTGEM comprises 18 competition events and three categories of demonstration events, along with cultural activities such as opening and closing ceremonies and an ethnic gala, showcasing rich and distinctive ethnic cultures.

Also attending the ceremony today were the Deputy Director General of the Department of Publicity, Cultural and Sports Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, Mr Li Shuguang; the Under Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Mr Raistlin Lau; the Acting Director of Leisure and Cultural Services and the Deputy Head of the Delegation, Miss Winnie Chui; the Commissioner for Sports and member of the Organising Committee of the Delegation, Mr George Tsoi; and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Delegation, Professor Patrick Yung.

For the latest information on the 12th NTGEM and Hong Kong athletes participating in the Games, please visit the LCSD's dedicated webpage (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ntgem/2024/index).

SCST officiates at flag presentation ceremony for HKSAR Delegation to 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCST officiates at flag presentation ceremony for HKSAR Delegation to 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

SCST officiates at flag presentation ceremony for HKSAR Delegation to 12th National Traditional Games of Ethnic Minorities of People's Republic of China Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Customs detects two cases involving possession of suspected "space oil drug" by passengers at Lok Ma Chau Control Point

​Hong Kong Customs on December 31, 2024 and January 1, 2025 detected two cases involving possession of etomidate (the main ingredient of "space oil drug"), a kind of Part 1 poison under the Pharmacy and Poisons Regulations, by passengers at the Lok Ma Chau Control Point. A total of two suspected "space oil drug" capsules were seized.

The first case involved a local female passenger, aged 34, who departed for the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on December 31, 2024. During customs clearance, one suspected "space oil drug" capsule and a related inhaling device were found in her handbag. The woman was subsequently arrested.

The second case involved a 20-year-old local male passenger. The man arrived in Hong Kong via the Lok Ma Chau Control Point on January 1, 2025. During customs clearance, one suspected "space oil drug" capsule and a related inhaling device were found in a pocket of the trousers he was wearing. He was then arrested.

The two arrested persons have been released on bail pending further investigation. Investigations are ongoing.

Under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance, any person who possesses any poison included in Part 1 of the Poisons List other than in accordance with provisions commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years.

Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs' 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Hong Kong Customs detects two cases involving possession of suspected "space oil drug" by passengers at Lok Ma Chau Control Point Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases