Hong Kong, China, June 18, 2023: The Olympic Council of Asia’s Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run was part of a three-way celebration in Hong Kong on Sunday, June 18.
The Asian Games Fun Run coincided with the Olympic Day Carnival hosted by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China as well as with International Father’s Day, which was acknowledged by the presence of many fathers with their children attending the event.
Despite an early-morning thunderstorm and intermittent heavy showers, the various runs to mark Olympic Day and the Hangzhou Asian Games were held in fine weather, and visitors were able to check out the abundance of sports and activity kiosks on the Great Lawn of West Kowloon Cultural District.
The OCA’s Director of Media and Broadcast, Jeans Zhou Jian, said they had been very lucky with the weather, as the rain relented for the assortment of fun runs.
“Despite the heavy rain and thunderstorm in the morning, we were able to hold our Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run very successfully and in fine conditions,” he said.
“The 1km route along the harbour front really showcased the beauty of the Hong Kong city landscape and we noticed that several runners and families were using the opportunity to take family photos along the way.”
The Olympic Day/Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run rounded off a series of Asian Games-related events organised by the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China in collaboration with the OCA.
On Thursday, June 15, Hong Kong marked the 100-day countdown to the 19th Asian Games by holding a ceremony to introduce their new mascot, Rock, before the SF&OC annual dinner and incentive awards presentation to 35 national sports associations.
On Friday, the OCA conducted the fourth leg of the Asian Games Youth Reporter Project at the SF&OC HQ at Olympic House in Causeway Bay, and Sunday brought the Olympic Day activities to mark International Olympic Day held annually on or around June 23.
“The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China has done a great job in promoting the Olympic movement not only in Hong Kong but beyond,” Jeans added.
“You can feel the support of Hong Kong for the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, and I am sure the athletes representing Hong Kong, China will be well prepared for all the competitions.
“The OCA would like to thank the SF&OC for all their hard work and preparations for this series of Olympic-related events, and for incorporating the Hangzhou Asian Games Fun Run into their Olympic Day Carnival.”
Visitors could participate in a variety of sports under the supervision of the respective sports federation, while displays of skateboarding and breaking were held on the main stage during the official presentation. There was also face-painting, bubble fun with kids and first-aid advice.
