The 6th Hong Kong Games (HKG) will once again hold the Vitality Run on January 8, 2017 (Sunday). With enrolment beginning on November 16 (Wednesday), the quota will be increased to allow more members of the public to take part in the HKG.

The Chairman of the 6th HKG Organising Committee, Mr William Tong, said in a press conference today (November 11) that due to the overwhelming public response received in the first Vitality Run held during the last HKG, the quota will be increased in the coming event. In addition, the 8-kilometre route will be extended to 10 kilometres to enhance the satisfaction of participants. Mr Tong added that Hong Kong Jockey Club, which is offering full support to this community involvement activity, will be the title sponsor of the Vitality Run.

Introducing the activity details, the Assistant Director of Leisure and Cultural Services (Leisure Services), Mr Richard Wong, pointed out that the Vitality Run is not set up as a race. The aims of the activity are to encourage the public to enjoy the fun of taking part in sports, while at the same time showing support and encouragement for district athletes who are diligently preparing for the 6th HKG competitions.

The Vitality Run is scheduled for the morning of January 8, 2017 at Shing Mun Riverside in Sha Tin. In the two categories, namely 3-kilometre run and 10-kilometre run, enrolment quotas of 4 000 and 1 100 are available respectively. Members of the public can register free of charge. Each participant will get a souvenir T-shirt and a gift pack, while those who complete the run within the time limit will receive a certificate and a souvenir medal. Participants can dress up for the activity and compete for the Most Creative Costume Prize, as well as the Overall Best Team Costume Prize.

The 3-kilometre run will start at 9am. The route will start at Yuen Wo Road (near Sha Tin Sports Ground), proceeding to Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Tai Chung Kiu Road, Fo Tan Road, Yuen Wo Road and finishing at Sha Tin Sports Ground.

The 10-kilometre run will commence at 8.30am, also from Yuen Wo Road (near Sha Tin Sports Ground), proceeding to Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Tai Chung Kiu Road, Fo Tan Road, then back to Yuen Wo Road. After arriving at Yuen Wo Road Sports Centre, participants will switch to the jogging and cycling tracks towards the Shing Mun Riverside via the Hong Kong Sports Institute campus and sports ground, then turn around before Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works (without entering the Hong Kong Sports Institute) and finish at Sha Tin Sports Ground.

Enrolment will start at 8.30am on November 16. Members of the public can enrol in person at any District Leisure Services Office (DLSO) or any leisure venue with Leisure Link Services of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), or online via Leisure Link Internet Booking on a first-come, first-served basis. The prospectus and enrolment form are available at the 6th HKG dedicated website www.hongkonggames.hk, DLSOs and leisure venues with Leisure Link Services, and LCSD sports grounds.

On the event day, activities including game booths, a family area, a photo corner, stage shows by various parties, singers and bands will be held at Sha Tin Sports Ground and Yuen Wo Playground. Runners and cheering crowds can share the fun of sports and embrace the city's upcoming major sports event, the 6th HKG.

The HKG is a territory-wide major multi-sports event held biennially with the 18 District Councils (DCs) as the participating units. The 6th HKG will be held from April 23 to May 28, 2017, covering eight sports, namely athletics, badminton, basketball, futsal, swimming, table tennis, tennis and volleyball. Athletes are now being selected to represent each district to join the competitions.

Apart from sports competitions, a wide range of activities are organised for the public to participate in different ways. The upcoming activities, to be held between January and May next year, are: the Dynamic Moments Photo Contest, the 18 Districts' Pledging cum Carnival, the Cheering Team Competition for the 18 Districts, Voting for "My Favourite Sporty District", guessing the "Overall Champion of the 6th HKG", as well as the Grand Opening and Closing cum Prize Presentation Ceremony for the 6th HKG.

Details about the 6th HKG and other community involvement activities are available at the HKG dedicated website www.hongkonggames.hk.

The Vice Chairman of the 6th HKG Organising Committee, Mr Yip Wing-shing; the Head of Charities Projects of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Ms Rhoda Chan; and the Senior Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, Dr Simon Yeung, also attended the press conference today.

The 6th HKG is organised by the Sports Commission and co-ordinated by the Community Sports Committee along with the 18 DCs; the LCSD; the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China; and relevant National Sports Associations as co-organisers. The Hong Kong Jockey Club is recognised as the Principal Contributor.

Ends/Friday, November 11, 2016
Issued at HKT 17:30