By Agatha Leung Nga Wing (OCA Young Reporter from Hong Kong, China)
Hangzhou, China, September 26, 2023: As part of our work as an OCA young reporter at the the 19th Asian Games, we visited the Athletes' Village on Tuesday.
Our assignment was to seek out athletes from our own National Olympic Committee - in my case, Hong Kong, China - and ask them how they were settling in to the Athletes' Village regarding accommodation, food in the dining hall and how they could relax in between training and competition.
Overall, the comments were very positive, as the rooms were big and comfortable, the huge dining hall had a wide array of meal options and it was easy to get around on foot, on bicycle or on the transport system with a series of stops at key locations. Just jump on and jump off.
According to Hong Kong, China men’s sabre team member Chow Chung Hei: “We are getting well prepared for the upcoming Sabre Team event. The team is in good shape and gets along well with the new coach since the beginning of the year.
“This is my first time at the Asian Games and I think the facilities are comprehensive. Everything you need is available. The food is diverse, and sometimes we try food other than KFC and Pizza Hut.”
Chow said the athletes can customise their personal seal and rings at the athlete village. “This is really interesting,” he added.
As for Kwok Ho Wa and Lam Chiu Yu, Esports Arena of Valor players, it is also their first time at the Asian Games. They think the Athletes Village is very comfortable with excellent facilities. There is a diversity in the food provided. They can go cycling during leisure time. There are also some gift shops to buy souvenirs.
“Before our departure to Hangzhou, we received some badges, so we can exchange badges with other NOCs (National Olympic Committees), which is fun.”
